England : Reviews (Reading)

My favorite part of studying abroad at the University of Reading was meeting other international students through the study abroad program at Reading. The University of Reading has an amazing orientation week, and perfect opportunities to take trips within England with other international students. The program is full of support, especially in helping with the transition to life abroad and culture shock. I would highly recommend considering studying abroad at the University of Reading. Anywhere you pick will be an amazing experience, but the University of Reading provides a supportive and welcoming environment to improve your transition to life abroad!

My favorite part of this program was how involved the study abroad program and faculty were with everybody's individual experience. You can tell they truly care about each student.

The program does an incredible job connecting you with other international students. I was able to meet people from all over the world, and the study abroad office at the University of Reading facilitates many opportunities to get involved.

Studying abroad as a whole is one of the most life-changing rewarding experiences you can choose to participate in during your time in college! Studying abroad provided me with the opportunity to learn and understand a wide variety of cultures and perspectives. My time at the University of Reading broadened my understanding of the world around me. I have a deeper understanding of the UK as well as other countries, world issues and views, and perspectives from different parts of the world. Meeting other international students, traveling and meeting students in Reading completely opened my eyes to the world around me. I was able to learn customs and daily differences in the lives of people across the world. I was able to learn more about the stereotypes that I've been brought up on and how wrong and generalizing they are. I was able to connect with people across the world and learn more about our similarities and small differences! As a person I have grown significantly, I am more open and understanding, and interested in learning about domestic and international issues, and well equipped to assist in solving them. I have greatly improved my horizons and capacity by stepping out of my comfort zone and seeing what is possible not just at home, but worldwide.

I found it incredibly rewarding to experience not just one new culture and perspective, but many. Spending time internationally allowed me to expand my worldview.

Some important things to remember before traveling is to pay attention to bag sizes and liquid sizes for traveling to your original, as well as while traveling, especially if you plan to use discount airlines like RyanAir and EasyJet. I also recommend bringing a tote or small bag that can be packed away, but used for day trips. Before arriving at your destination download a map on your phone if possible, so you can find your way to your university before installing your eSIM in case there are any issues with the signal when you first arrive. Know how you’re getting from the airport to campus, because you don’t need to make the transition any more difficult, you will be exhausted! When packing a micro-fiber towel for travel was a genius idea, it takes up significantly less space and comes in handy in hostels that don’t provide towels. I also brought travel sizes of hygiene items to use when I got here before I had time to go to the store, as well as for when I traveled. For safety I recommend a phone chain and some kind of carabiners to make taking your phone and opening your bag more difficult, as well as a lock if you find a place with lockers. Don’t forget power and plug adapters! Don’t bring anything you can easily buy at your destination! I did not pack any kitchen utensils, towels and full sized hygiene products. Don’t bring bedding, and wherever you can, buy packs from the university.
For some money tips, buy only what you need! Book traveling in advance, and try to look for changes in ticket prices. Use discount and cheaper sites and be open to all options. Skyscanner, easyjet and ryanair for flights, trainline for trains and flixbus for bus options. Also keep rental cars in mind, just factor in the price of young driver fees. A lot of the time, more time on transport means a lower price, and overnights are also a good option. Don’t push it though, you will be tired so plan ahead and be aware of what you’re throwing yourself into. Another good strategy we had was focusing on free events and places and only buying tickets to places we knew were worth it for us. Buying food and ingredients from the grocery store and having meals planned prevents a lot of overspending. For accommodation we used AirBnb, booking.com and hostelworld and checked which had the cheapest and best overall options for each place we stayed. When you can, splitting the cost is a good idea. For living, sign up for grocery store cards to get discounts and use the student apps that are provided.