When preparing to study abroad in the UK, it is important to gain a balanced perspective. Safety is a global, national, regional, and local phenomenon. As Americans have come to realize, the United States is no more immune to acts of crime or violence than other parts of the world. The resources we provide will assist you in understanding the particular safety challenges in the UK. This resource gives a framework of information, checklists, questions, and resources that helps review the type of study abroad program you will choose/have chosen, the available support services, and ways for you to be prepared for the realities abroad in the UK.

Students may find it extremely helpful to do some research before going to the UK; understanding a country's culture, laws, customs, politics, etc. can be tremendously important. The more you know ahead of time about the UK, the better prepared and more confident you will feel when you arrive.

Internet research is one of the easiest ways to find more information about the UK. The Center for Global Education compiled a condensed list of information and helpful Internet resources on the UK for students considering study abroad. In creating this site, the Center's goals are to help educate and inform students so that they can enjoy a safe and healthy time in the UK. Students are encouraged to read through the information on the UK, and visit other recommended sites provided in each section.

While no study abroad program can offer an absolute guarantee that students will be safe, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming injured or a victim of crime abroad. We encourage all students, their parents, and study abroad program administrators to read through the following safety suggestions in order to better prepare themselves in the case of health or safety challenges in the UK.

To address the current worldwide concern for safety, and the need for informed study abroad program participants, the Safety Abroad First-Educational Travel Information (SAFETI) Clearinghouse of the Center for Global Education makes the following safety resource guide available for students studying abroad in the UK. This document is made possible through support from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) of the U.S. Department of Education.

There are literally hundreds of reasons why you should chose to study abroad in Great Britain. The attraction of the UK stems from is unique ability to provide a balance between a centuries-old tradition, and a cutting-edge modern life that is both exciting and multi-faceted. If you are looking for a country that is sophisticated, interesting, modern, fun, beautiful, challenging, inviting, and stimulating, Great Britain is the destination for you.

The UK’s world-class contributions to literature, art, philosophy, religion, science, technology, commerce and trade, industry, politics – basically, everything – make it one of the best places in the world to pursue your education. Its long-running position as a world-leader has attracted some of the best and most creative minds from around the world, and has fostered a highly developed environment of learning and thought. Universities and institutions of learning are held to a high standard through the Quality Assurance Agency; and the quality of research at British institutions is assessed yearly by the Research Assessment Exercise, a practice that has kept British research competitive and progressive.

More specifically, those interested in the fields of finance, economics, business, political science, advertising, creative design and the arts, music performance/music industry, theater, pharmacy/medicine, and software will find that study in the UK will open up a plethora of opportunities. The UK ranks at least 3rd in the world for study in each of these areas; so not only will students find that they are receiving a globally respected education, but also that their education is equipping them with the skills and knowledge to compete successfully in the global market.

In the fields of finance, business, economics and political science, London has been a center of commerce and trade for over a century. Advances in technology, the telecommunications revolution, and Britain’s growing integration with the rest of Western Europe have only enhanced its position as a financial leader. Britain’s creative industry –
advertising, creative design, theater, music, and the arts – has experienced a reawakening over the past 40 years, and it is now recognized as a premier Western European locale for the study and pursuit of the arts. Medical research, including pharmaceuticals, genetics, and epidemiology, is also one of the primary reasons students choose to study in the UK. In 2000, 37% of all R&D done in the UK was in the field of pharmaceuticals. Finally, Britain is the world’s 3rd largest consumer of software products, which has resulted in an industry that is consistently at the forefront of innovation and adaptation. In 2001 alone, the British software industry grossed over £20 billion.

The UK has the added allure of offering its visitors four distinctly different cultures, which lie within arms reach of each other – those of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Though a part of the same political unit, these regions’ people, landscapes, social culture, and even language are all truly unique yet close enough to enable you to experience each with relative ease. Furthermore, with the completion of the Channel Tunnel in 1994, an underground tunnel that runs below the English Channel and connects Britain to France, travel to the continent is faster and easier than ever.

Following the American Revolution and the creation of an independent United States, a new variation of English emerged distinctly tied to the American culture. Through the subsequent 150 years that led to World War II, the British form of English was regarded as "correct," and was the form most often taught in American private schools and in ESL classes worldwide. However, with America’s emergence as the world political and economic leader after World War II, American English gained new prominence as a viable form of English. Today, both British and American English are accepted as "proper" forms of the language and both can be heard and read in classrooms around the world. However, learning British English can be a fun and satisfying way to integrate with the British culture during your stay overseas.

There are enough similarities between the two forms of English to make it relatively easy to function as a foreigner in the UK. However, learning the British counterparts – and additions! – to American words will make it much easier to: fully appreciate British humor, speak with locals, and understand cultural variations. For example, a joke involving a lorry and a dodgy barrister might not be so funny if you did not know what these were.

In addition, British English is still the form taught most frequently in former British colonies such as Singapore, Hong Kong, India, and Nigeria. Consequently, many of the inflections and slang spoken in English by natives of these countries will reference the British mother tongue. Should you wish to travel to these areas and have not learned the native language of the region, understanding British English will enable you to move about and communicate much more easily than if you were unfamiliar with British grammar and usage.

Regardless of whether you pick up British English while studying abroad, learning and improving your understanding of English of any variety can only make you a more competitive global candidate in any field. After Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, English is the most widely spoken language in the world and is the common language used for transnational communication in business, science, technology, telecommunications, medicine and several other major industries.

* Welsh, Scots Gaelic, Irish Gaelic, Manx Gaelic and Cornish are also spoken by minorities in the British Isles – by people from Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man and Cornwall respectively. Together, over 885,000 people speak these languages as either their first or second language. Due to the overwhelming presence of English as the language of choice (and often force) for several centuries, these languages mostly (or completely) died out only to be revived in the late 19th-early 20th century by enthusiasts and language historians. Welsh, Manx Gaelic and Cornish have especially been targeted by linguists and patriots in these regions for revival, and as a result have re-emerged as viable living languages used on a daily basis by locals.

You may want to take a similar role in the selection of your student's study abroad program as you did with your son or daughter's selection of an appropriate U.S. college or university. To begin, we recommend that students read and fill-out this Study Abroad Study Abroad Handbook independently. This can be the first step that helps him/her take charge of his/her own study abroad experience. However, accomplishing the many tasks involved with planning study abroad in the UK can be overwhelming. Your son or daughter will most likely need your assistance.

In this section, you will get some helpful tools and advice on how to select the best study abroad program for you. You have a variety of programs to choose from in the UK; they include: language academies, traditional universities, cultural tours and eco-adventures. Prior to participating, students and their parents should take time to look at the different programs available for study abroad.

One of the main reasons students cite for not studying abroad is that they start the planning process too late and miss the opportunity. The earlier you start researching programs, the better chance you will have to study abroad, include the coursework in your on-campus degree program, and graduate on time. The simplest way to find an appropriate study abroad program in the UK is to look at programs available through your home campus; home campus faculty and staff can help you through the process.

In this section, you will learn how to go a step beyond finding a quality program. You will begin to research quality programs that reflect your individual needs. You will be better able to find a program that matches academic and personal objectives. The following things are some personal factors that can affect a student’s program decision:

Cost: Finding a quality program that’s affordable is possible. Depending on you or your family’s financial situation, program cost may or may not be an issue for you. No one wants to compromise quality for cost. However, many students need to find programs that fit their personal budget. Costs for study abroad programs don’t end with a basic fee; rather, additional costs can add up for insurance, housing, meals, excursions, travel, medical needs and purchases.

Spending and Saving: Frugal spending is key both before you go, and while you are in the UK. Make a budget for yourself and stick to it. Before you go, you may want to budget your spending by giving up that morning cup of coffee you buy on your way to work/class. Instead, you could make your own coffee at home, and bring your lunch with you rather than buying it every day. You may have to eat out less and give up going out as frequently. You could take the bus instead of paying to fill up your car, and you might even start clipping coupons.

Group Size: Some study abroad programs have very high limits for enrollment, while others are very selective about the number of students they allow to participate. You should determine in which situation you might feel more comfortable.

It is important to ask your study abroad program coordinator what the ratio is between staff and students—a small program staff in charge of a large group may not be the best when you are trying to find someone to assist you. Of course, if you plan to do independent study, you may very well be the only U.S. student at the institution you’ve chosen. This would probably give you the highest level of immersion, but you would have added responsibilities that another student studying in a program group may not have.

Class Size: Depending on how you learn best as a student, you will want to choose a program with smaller or larger class size. As a student, you may enjoy smaller class sizes because of the personal attention you receive. Also, if you are having difficulties understanding the topics or language, you may appreciate the extra help that smaller classes can provide. On the other hand, you may be comfortable and accustomed to larger classes in which you have more independent study time. You may enjoy a larger class setting where you may come in contact with more students. Ask your study abroad program coordinator what the average class size tends to be for the subjects you will take in the UK.

Class Dynamics: Ask yourself whether or not you prefer sitting next to a British or another U.S. student in your classes. The answer to this question will help you determine whether or not you would like to be in classes with only other U.S. students, a mix of British and U.S. students, or a class where the majority of the students are British. Most programs offer courses where a student can be fully immersed in the British education system by attending class with regular students at a university/institution. Other programs separate students by designing special courses for program participants. Inquire as to which classes you are able to take as part of your program. Also ask whether or not your teachers will be from the United States or the UK, if this matters to you.

Language Instruction: If you intend to study abroad for a British Isles-specific (such as Welsh, Gaelic, Cornish or other indigenous languages) or other language, ask your program provider if they offer classes in the language of interest for all levels, including beginner level instruction. Some programs offer complete immersion while others will simply teach about the language (such as its history, current uses, linguistic characteristics, etc.). If you do not specifically enroll in a language course, all your courses will be taught in English.

Goals: Everyone chooses to study abroad for different reasons. You may want to learn or improve your British English. You may want to conduct independent research. You may want to pursue a degree, or you may just want to travel and get away. Before choosing a program, see if it fits the personal goals and objectives you have. Ask yourself if the program you choose will allow you to accomplish what you have in mind.

In this section, you will learn how to better understand who runs your program, and whether it is closely connected with your U.S. home university. Before deciding on a study abroad program in the UK, it’s important to identify what kind of relationship your U.S. college or university has with your study abroad program; essentially, you want to know who is “in charge,” and who will help you if you need assistance.

There are five general types of study abroad program sponsors, which can be classified by the kind of relationship your U.S. home institution's staff has with a program's international staff. This can help you determine how much communication goes on between U.S. staff and abroad staff; does each party know what the other party is doing?

1. Home University Owned and Operated:	A U.S. college or university usually operates facilities and programs in the UK if they were extensions of its U.S. campus. It employs some or all of a program's academic/administrative staff in the UK and owns, leases, controls or operates some or all of a program facilities and operations in the UK. Staff and facilities in the UK vary greatly from a one-person office to a comprehensive campus.
2. Home University Partnerships:	A study abroad program is a result of a cooperative arrangement or agreement between a U.S. college or university and one or more educational institutions or organizations in the UK. This allows a U.S. university to send its students on programs owned and operated by a U.S. or a foreign college, university or independent program provider.
3. Independent Student:	Students find and enroll in programs independent of their college or university. In some cases, students will remain enrolled at their U.S. home campus, using their financial aid. In other cases, students will be required to take a leave of absence. Upon return, students may or may not receive credit for study completed in the UK.
4. Individual Faculty/Staff Travel Study Program:	An individual faculty or staff member from a U.S. home campus, who has no permanent office in the UK, accompanies a group of students for many of the short term and summer programs offered.
5. Hybrid Programs:	Many study abroad programs are mixtures of the four previously mentioned types of programs. For example, your home university may have an administrative office in the UK, but a British situation may offer courses and housing, and an independent program provider may arrange excursions.

The program sponsors listed above, may provide on-site program administration in the UK through four types of program providers:

1. Foreign University Programs: Students directly enroll in the courses offered by a British college or university. British colleges and universities offer varying levels of services and support.

 
2. U.S. University Abroad: Students can enroll in other U.S. universities' programs in the UK with which their U.S. home university has a formal agreement.

 
3. Independent Program Providers: Many study abroad providers are neither colleges nor universities, but are solely in the business of providing study abroad programs. Programs vary from well-staffed organizations with offices in the United States and the UK to a one-person office anywhere in the world.

 
4. Hybrid Program Providers: Many study abroad program providers are mixtures of the three previously mentioned types of program providers. For instance, your U.S. college or university may have an administrative office in the UK, while courses and housing may be offered by a British college or university, and excursions may be arranged by an independent program provider.

After you understand who runs your study abroad program in the UK and whether it is closely connected with your U.S. home university, the next step should involve a review of whether the level of support services both in the United States and in the UK will meet your needs. Remember that there is no national organization that regulates the quality and certifies any minimum standard for study abroad programs. For this reason, it would be wise to take an active role in evaluating a program prior to participating in it. It is important to look at the many types of activities provided by your program.

• Excursions/Field Trips
• Travel/Transportation
• Classes
• Housing
• Counseling (if provided)/Student Services/Health Office
• Academic Advisement for classes

Participation in a study abroad program very likely will involve contracts. You, and maybe your parents, will have to read through and sign a number of important documents. Some of these documents might limit a program's responsibility or liability in the case you are injured in the UK, other contracts might hold you responsible for certain behavior, still other contracts may require you to release personal information. Read everything before you sign. If you have to, re-read everything, have your parents read everything, or have your lawyer read everything before you sign anything. Don't let anyone pressure you into signing an agreement that confuses you, or one you don't understand. Ask study abroad administrators to explain exactly what they are having you sign, what it means, and what happens if you don't want to sign. Know your rights and take time to think about any possible consequences of signing or not signing. Among other things, think about the following when deciding to sign or not sign a contract:

• By signing, what are you agreeing to do/not do?
• What rights do you gain/give up?
• Does the contract protect you or your program sponsor?
• Is the contract legally sound?
• Can the contract be broken after you have signed?

In this section, you will learn how to help cover the costs of study abroad in the UK. With appropriate planning, most students that can afford to study at a U.S. college or university, can afford to study abroad in the UK. It is important to take into account all program costs to ensure you have sufficient funds for a healthy and safe experience in the UK.

In most cases, a student's financial aid package should cover most, if not all, of the costs of certain study abroad programs. Usually, study abroad programs affiliated with your U.S. home campus are more likely to be covered by financial aid. If you don't have financial aid, there are also many scholarships and fellowships available; you just have to know where to look for them. Grants and loans are yet another way to help cut costs.

• Loans and Financial Aid: If you receive financial aid, study abroad in the UK may be partially or fully covered by the terms of your financial aid package. If the study abroad program you have chosen is directly associated with your U.S. home campus, you may have a better chance of having your financial aid money cover your program costs in the UK. However, you can't assume that financial aid will apply; even if it does, there may be limits as to what it covers. Inquire about the terms of your financial aid package at your college or university's financial aid office. You may also be eligible for a student loan, or an additional loan, if you receive federal work-study as part of your financial aid packet. Before asking for a bank loan, ask a financial aid adviser on your campus.
• Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants: With advance planning, you may be able to obtain scholarship or grant money from your U.S. home university or even from the institution in the UK where you will study. There are many academic awards and fellowships available for students with an interest in study abroad or other international experiences. To find scholarship and fellowship opportunities, visit your college or university's financial aid office, search on-line, or consider purchasing one of the many books available on the subject. Many academic departments also offer student research grants for research completed abroad; most often, the fields of anthropology, geology, and medicine offer research grants.
• Other Sources of Money: Even though it may be hard to juggle a full load of classes and a job, working is a great way to raise money for study abroad. Although working on-campus doesn't usually get you the highest salary possible, campus jobs do help your cash flow. Since your goal is to earn fast cash, you don't necessarily need to look for a job oriented around your future career. While career-oriented jobs can be terrific learning and networking opportunities, non-career jobs may have more flexible hours allowing you to work between classes. Also, try making appeals to your local community, religious and academic organizations. These groups may set aside funding, or take up special collections, for students. If you or your family happen to belong to any community or religious organizations, those groups may be more apt to sponsor you because they know you; these groups often see you as a representative or role model and may even ask you to speak at their meetings when you return from studying abroad. If your study abroad in the UK involves volunteer work or charitable activities, some organizations may also be more willing to support your efforts.

Cost of Living

Cost of living varies from country to country, with currency fluctuations, and according to your personal budget. You are probably used to a certain standard and cost of living in the United States, and you probably budget your income in order to maintain (or better) the standard and costs to which you have become accustomed.

You can calculate the difference in cost of living between the United States and the UK by using an on-line international cost of living converter. Enter the U.S. city in which you live and your current salary. Then, enter the city in the UK where you will study. The converter calculates how much you will need to earn in order to live in the UK as you do in the United States. This rough estimate can provide you with a goal amount of money you will need to raise/save before going abroad:

In general, expect to be asked to provide the following types of information about yourself on your study abroad program application form(s): your academic performance (Grade Point Average, scholarships, etc…), your selling points/talents (what you think about yourself), letters of recommendation (what others think about you), your hobbies and interests, your knowledge of current events in the UK your resume and official college transcript to date, etc...

Your Personal Statement/Essay is like a written handshake; it’s the first impression you give to administrators. Your personal statement is your opportunity to emphasize your best qualities and to show off your writing and communication skills. Also, if your transcript isn’t the greatest, you can use your personal statement to explain why, or to go into detail about your other talents away from school. While your GPA does factor into the equation, other extracurricular activities count as well, so be sure to list them. Even if there is a minimum GPA requirement that you don’t meet, you may still be able to participate in a program if you write a strong Personal Statement/Essay and have good letters of recommendation. You will probably write and re-write more than one draft of your personal statement before turning in your application. You may even want a professor to look it over before you write the final draft. This is especially true if you are asked to tell your audience what you are hoping to learn and get out of your study abroad program. Briefly explain your personal and academic goals. Most study abroad program administrators particularly want to know why you desire to study abroad in the UK.

If your Personal Statement/Essay is like a written handshake, then your Interview is your actual—in person—handshake. The Interview process lets a program selection committee match your face with your name. It allows them to see you on a more personal and human level, rather than just on paper. Since first impressions can leave lasting impressions, it is important to present yourself as best as possible. You may want to dress professionally for your interview, and get a good night’s sleep beforehand. As you may be asked about the current events of the UK, it may be helpful to read British news in preparation for your interview. Remember your manners and be polite; give others your full attention and listen to everything being asked of you. Since group interviews are common, make sure to listen to other students as well. However, remember that a group interview is not a competition between you and the other students; you do not need to talk longer or louder than the others. If a question catches you off guard, or you don’t know the answer, ask the person to repeat the question. Take your time when answering, and be honest if you don’t know something.

In this section, you will find useful information on how to select a travel provider, decide which guidebook is right for you, learn how to tune-in your favorite British radio station, and find out what documents are necessary for study abroad in the UK. Before you buy anything, research your choices, select a travel provider, and find out what documents are necessary for study abroad in the UK.

Travelers have numerous options when it comes to purchasing tickets. Travel agents are a traditional option, but several student-oriented travel agencies can offer discount fairs. Other young adults, who have recently studied abroad themselves, often staff these student agencies. Therefore, they can be more knowledgeable about travel abroad. Many student agencies offer exclusive student or youth travel discounts. Some discounts may be valid for a full year, an extended time limit that most regular travel agencies do not offer.

Travel agencies are usually the least discount-oriented. Checking with several of them may help you to establish a base price, or sometimes you may even get a reasonable fare. If you are extremely flexible, many airlines offer last minute airfare deals that can even be cheaper than student tickets.

Buying online is yet another option. Most sites post new discount offers three times a day. Some also offer the possibility of bidding for tickets at your own specified price. If your bid is accepted, you could end up flying for a very low price. However, be wary of restrictions on bidding (like not being able to back out of the deal once your bid has been accepted, and not being given a choice of airlines or flight times).

When you have decided where to purchase your airplane ticket, many travel experts recommend paying with a credit card. Several credit card companies offer insurance on purchases; should your tickets be lost or stolen, or you flight cancelled, you needn't lose all your money. Check with your credit card company to determine what conditions of protection apply.

Proper documentation and identification is required for entry to the UK and for re-entry into the United States. The UK has its own special requirements for entry based on your citizenship, purpose of visit and length of stay. Find out which requirements pertain to your situation, and plan in advance; obtaining documents from embassies or consulates can take from one hour up to three months. Getting a new passport may take up to six weeks.

In this section, you will find information on what you should know about the UK's legal system, and the legal system of the countries to which you will be traveling. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the UK is limited in what it can do to assist you if you should get into legal trouble abroad. As a foreigner in a foreign land, you are obligated to act in accordance with foreign law.

Not knowing local laws can get you into serious trouble. Just because something is legal in the United States doesn't mean it is legal in the UK. Most students who study abroad do not break the law on purpose; instead, they end up doing something illegal without knowing it. Even as a foreigner, you must obey all British laws and the laws of other countries to which you are traveling.

If you break local laws while in the UK, the U.S. government can do very little to help you. You are granted no special privileges or rights, and will be dealt with according to standard procedure of the legal system of the UK. The U.S. and British governments encourage all visitors to the UK to become familiar with local laws before they visit. Upon arrival in the UK, you may also wish to ask a British official about local laws and procedures. Remember, most students who study abroad wind up breaking the law unintentionally, and alcohol consumption has been associated with law-breaking in most cases.

In this section, you will learn how to communicate better with a program's administration, family and friends while you are in the UK. When looking at a study abroad program in the UK, see if it has a 24-hour communication contact person both in the UK and in the United States. With the advent of the "information age," there now exists more than just one way to communicate internationally.

	Telephone: It is important to know the telephone numbers for the program administration in the UK and in the United States both during business hours and in case of an emergency. There may be a separate contact number for housing in the UK. It is important to know if a regular telephone number will be provided to you while in the UK, and if that number will be assigned to you before leaving the United States. The sample Emergency Card includes phone numbers you should have available at all times.
	International Calling Cards: The most reasonable way to communicate between the UK and the United States may be through the use of an international calling card, available through various companies/providers. You can also purchase calling cards in the UK.
	Cellular Phone: Cellular phones have become more common and less expensive around the world. Although local calls may be inexpensive, international calls may have a high cost. Short text messages sent from a cell phone may be a less expensive way to communicate internationally, provided the person you are messaging can receive text messages on his/her cell phone. Some multi-band phones that can be used in the United States can also be used in the UK. If you don’t own a multi-band cell phone, but would like to have a cell phone while studying in the UK, you can purchase your own cell phone for anywhere from $40 to $300 (prices may change depending on the time of your study abroad program and location of program). Most British cellular companies also provide “Pay-As-You-Go” cards, which is ideal for students in short-term programs.
	Fax: In case phoning is not possible, a program’s offices in the United States and in the UK may have a fax machine available for communication.
	Satellite Phone: Although still a very expensive alternative to regular or cell phones, satellite phones may be an effective method of communication in parts of the UK where communication is extremely difficult, or in the case of emergencies.
	Wireless/PDA Device: Known as Personal Data Assistants or PDAs, and other wireless communication devices may be another way to communicate while in the UK. You will need to ensure that the device you purchase in the United States will work while you are in the UK.
	E-Mail: Electronic Mail is probably the least expensive and easiest method of communication for people in different time zones. And considering the prevalence of internet cafes throughout even the most remote areas of the UK, gaining access to your email should not be a problem.
	Mail: (Regular or Express): Postcards and letters are still an important and inexpensive method of communication. For those documents that need to get there faster, there are many companies that provide fast international mail delivery. Before you go abroad, it is important to find out the mailing address for both your program’s administrative offices in the United States and in the UK as well as your own mailing address (at your residence or administrative office when available). The national mail system of the UK and other countries may not be as fast as the U.S. mail service, so allow for extra time when mailing from abroad.

Your place of residence in the UK will become the main site of most of your cultural interaction. Where you choose to live in the UK can determine to what level you will immerse yourself in British culture.

The majority of your language practice and communication will not take place in the classroom, or even during your travels. Rather, most of it will happen at home in your residence. At your place of residence, you will experience the most intense and personal form of culture-sharing, as the locals you will live with become your family, friends and roommates.

Just as it took getting used to living with your dorm or apartment roommate(s) in the United States, it will take just as much effort to adjust to your living situation in the UK. Your place of residence in the UK comes with challenges, perhaps even more challenges than you had to deal with when you lived with roommates at your U.S. home campus. You will face language and culture differences which can affect everything from when a person eats a meal, to what he or she eats, personal hygiene issues, study habits, likes and dislikes, etc… However, keep in mind that your own habits and views will also seem different to the person(s) you are living with in the UK.

When thinking about housing in the UK, the most important thing to remember is patience. Try to be patient with yourself as you try to adjust to living with others in the UK. Also, try to be patient with those you live with, as they will be learning to adjust to you as well. In the chance that things just don’t work out for you, or you just are not compatible with your roommates or host family, make sure your program offers you the right to change your place of residence. Ask your program’s administrators about your rights in regards to switching places of residence, and whether or not an administrator can help you find alternate housing should you need it. Your program administrators can act as conflict mediators to help you and your roommates or host family resolve any issues troubling you. If at any time you find your housing unsafe, be clear with program administrators and explain to them why it is unsafe and that you need to change housing as soon as possible.

There are three main types of housing options in the UK. However, not all programs will offer all three housing options. In many cases, you may only be offered one type of housing option. Also, your program may not provide housing at all, or may not be able to guarantee housing for you.