Dear Piper,

This experience will be unlike anything that you could’ve imagined. The common phrase that “study abroad will change your life” is not untrue, but is not necessarily what you imagined it to be. There were a lot of hardships that were unexpected and sometimes difficult to navigate, but you met some amazing people and have some experiences that you could never have imagined. 

As you get ready to come to London, I would advise you that the tube is life-changing and to use it whenever you can- it goes to most places and is super efficient. While the information that you are given at the beginning of the program feels overwhelming, is not that bad and it is best to just embrace the experience in its entirety. 

The highlight of the experience has been the independence and the ability to make connections with other American students who are going through the same experience I am. My advice to you would be to not be afraid to talk to any and everybody on the program. While the program is pretty big for an international experience, everyone is connected and it is amazing to just get to know everyone. 

Something I would come into the experience with a different mindset about is the fact that the experience can feel like a fishbowl where the forced proximity can feel a little suffocating. You will have a difficult experience with a flatmate that will provide a growth opportunity, but it will be something that I wish I had known going into the experience. It would be beneficial to know that all your flatmates won’t be your best friends and that is okay. 

The best goals that you can set for yourself are to enjoy yourself and prioritize yourself because you only have a limited time for this part of your life. 

Cheers, 

3 months in the future Piper