5alive

I did a study abroad in England, in a regular UK university, University of East Anglia in Norwich. One advantage of studying in England is that I had some really good conversations with English, Scottish and Northern Irish students. Because there is no language barrier, you can go a little deeper into a topic. While I took some ribbing for being American and my accent, that sort of just says they've accepted you in that culture. I still, many years later, have two good friends I keep in touch with, and I was only there a semester. I also made friends with other foreign students around the world, not just other Americans, and that also was interesting.

I'm not sure if those connections would have happened as much in Italy, if I didn't speak Italian. On the other hand, if you'd like to learn a language, even if your classes are in English, there's nothing like spending time in a country to get up to speed. Florence is a stunningly beautiful city, but there are a LOT of American students there these days.

I suspect you will spend a fair number of weekends traveling, so I wouldn't be too bothered if Leicester wasn't as charming as some.

Watch a Rick Steves video or two about the countries you're deciding on, and then as MMS advised, go with your gut.

frvrtrvlng

I have spent 5 years studying and living in the UK. People are welcoming, studies are great, everyone speaks English. But... it can't compare to Italy for me. I'd choose Florence over Leicester any day.

gabriellanicoleeee

gabriellanicoleeee

Traveler_Nick

Cost of living always depends largely on your lifestyle. In general you'll find Italy cheaper than the US but depending on what you buy it can be the opposite.

Your biggest expense will be lodging. Is that up to you or the school?

nonconformist2

Also depends on the exchange rate, which is, obviously, variable.

Norwich is a bit remote for a travel base. It does have an airport, but limited destinations.

5alive

As I recall, the train from Norwich to London was about an hour 15. I found it to be a great base. From there I headed to Paris. Train station was this grand Victorian thing.

As to Great Britain, I was most interested in London and the North, so those are the places I visited. As I recall, I took a train to Peterborough and then we changed to join the main line. I saw Lincoln, Yorkshire, the Lake Country and a bit of Scotland. I also went and stayed with a friend at Oxford. London I saw quite a lot of.

Students lived on campus. At the time I lived there, no cafeteria existed. There was a kitchen each floor, you each had a locker for your food and dishes. And a fridge to share. It did lead to more interaction as we had to really share a space. Everyone had singles, which were small but had what you need.

UEA itself had rather hideous architecture. Norwich had its charm but wasn't overwhelmed with tourists. I don't know how it is now. There is a saying that Norwich had a church for every week of the year and a bar for every night if the year. Cathedral was excellent. Castle was so-so. Ruins and a river were nice.

Don't know if the market is still going on, but it was a real work-a-day market, which I loved. The Sainsbury art museum by campus had some Henry Moore sculptures, which I didn't value enough at the time.
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