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Study Abroad in Scotland
Hello!
I will be studying abroad at the University of St. Andrews next fall for a semester. What sorts of things should I make sure to bring with me? |
Waterproof and a couple of warm sweaters, good sturdy shoes. (Not just trainers) and plug adapters. Most anything else just you would have/ use at home.
Don't bring a hair dryer or curling iron/flat iron . . . Buy those when you get to the UK. |
A sense of humour and exploration. :-)
Tell your bank that you are coming and see if they can get you a PIN triggered credit/bank card and if possible with "contactless" features though this is not vital. |
You'll have a great time - it's a very special place. There's a very sizeable US student community at the University, but if you make an effort to meet people from all over the world you'll benefit more from the very cosmopolitan - and sociable - atmosphere. There are several unique traditions - including the infamous Raisin Monday:-
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...nday&FORM=IGRE In terms of stuff to bring, a big yes to waterproof jacket and boots (maybe trousers as well!). An umbrella is a waste of time as it's usually windy in this part of the world. There are several outdoor clothing shops - as well as other shops servicing the university community - in town however if you want to buy things on arrival. |
Power socket adapters, preferably 2.
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You can buy plug adapters for US appliances here in the UK too, but it's wise to have at least one to start with. Just buy a simple US > UK adapter — those universal adapters are a waste of money.
Good advice from janisj about leaving your 110V hair dryers and curlers at home. Also be careful what devices you use the plug adapters with, as they don't change the voltage. Most cellphones, computer and camera chargers, etc are rated 100-240 V 50/60 Hz, and can be safely plugged into the wall sockets with an adapter, <i>but you have to check the specs to make sure.</i> Plug a 110V only device into a 220V socket and it will burn out instantly. I don't like the voltage converters/transformers sold in some travel stores, because they gradually ruin your appliances. There are heavy duty voltage transformers we American expats use here in the UK, but they are too heavy for travel. Best advice from me: anything that takes 110V only should be left at home! |
<<What sorts of things should I make sure to bring with me?>>
These: http://www.wineenthusiast.com/glassw...ey-glasses.asp |
Of course it will depend on your living situation but ... the biggest hassle our daughter had at St A's was carrying food home from the store. It can be a bit of a hike from the four grocery stores to residence.
If you have a favourite carry bag at home you might want to bring it. |
Money mainly as we've invented these things called "shops" where you can buy things.
Anything else is going to be personal items. |
A copy of Let's Go Britain -written by folks your age traveling on a low budget - for travels around Scotland and UK for long weekends, breaks, etc. Amazon.com or large bookstores.
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From my experience in this very business, I'm sure St Andrews will be providing plenty of information and advice:
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/media/s...t-handbook.pdf |
check out the BritRail Youth Pass - valid for 2 months for X number of days I believe- great for spur of moment weekend or vacation trips and also the National Express Bus passes -buses are cheaper but often take much longer. Buy before you leave if want or order online - traditionally not generally for sale in UK except perhaps BTA in London.
London is about 5 hours by train and there are also overnight trains on that route. For lots about UK trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. |
"London is about 5 hours by train..."
More like 7 hours door to door, as I think you're aware the nearest station to St Andrews is at Leuchars. In any case why on earth would someone want to spend time and money going to a dump like London when you have St Andrews, the Fife coast and Edinburgh on your doorstep. |
It isn't what you take over; it's what you bring home!
Our daughter came home from a year at Uni in Edinburgh with a boyfriend. They have now been married twenty years. It wasn't in any of the brochures. |
"London is about 5 hours by train...">
ah yes I was thinking from Edinburgh. For London from St Andrews you yes take a bus to Leuchars train station and hop train over the famous Firth of Forth cantilevered bridge over the Firth to Edinburgh-changing there for London. Taking the overnight train one way could be utilitarian time-wise and an adventure - especially if you have traveling companions and get a private cabin and bring any food or drink aboard. Again if traveling around the UK on breaks on trains or buses look at the youthpasses for trains and bus. |
Thank you everyone for your advice! The information about traveling to London was especially helpful. I have cousins there that I would like to visit during my semester.
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Google Maps is very accurate offering bus routes and times, including the 99 to and from Leuchars train station.
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I will be dealing with this soon. Just confirming that a student visa would not be required for this (unlike a Schengen university).
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>>Just confirming that a student visa would not be required for this (unlike a Schengen university).<<
If you mean you think a US student doesn't need prior entry clearance before arriving to take up a place at a British university, this appears to be the case for a course of six months or less (but you need to bring the relevant documentary evidence to show immigration on arrival), but not for longer courses, for which US students would indeed need a visa. https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immi.../student-visas But be aware that, for some bizarre reason, this government and its predecessor seems obsessed with the idea that overseas students should count against its self-imposed (and impossible) target maximum number of immigrants, and the idea is now being floated that student permits are the easiest target for getting the numbers down. This would mean closer checks by the government on institutions they consider to be less than reliable in managing overseas student registrations, at the very least; whether that translates into more bureaucratic hurdles for individual students either on arrival or beforehand, is not yet clear. |
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