This is the bi-weekly diary following the journey of a Northeastern student studying abroad in London.
The realization that I will soon be in London just hit me this past week. The “to do” list keeps growing and I’ve just now begun checking things off it.
I have ideas of what I will need in foggy London town, but it won’t be until I get there that I realize, “crap, I should have packed …!” Even though I am going to the most cosmopolitan city in the world, who’s to know if they have every little thing American society has molded me to think I need. Someone once told me they don’t have peanut butter in Italy. Is London similar? Will I need to pack myself a three-month supply of Skippy extra crunchy?
Peanut butter is the least of my problems right now, but I think I am doing well checking things off the list. I have all the important stuff done: passport, tuition paid, plane tickets in hand and too many American dollars to spend.
Things I am still unsure about include the following: Housing situation abroad, how to manage my money while overseas, Internet access in my room, how much stuff I really need, what I have to do to make sure everything is in order when I come back to Northeastern and when I get there, are they going to be ready for me?
The reason I am worried the people at Goldsmiths College of London don’t know I am coming is because all the information I receive from them is so vague. They told me what building I will be living in, but no room number or roommates. They told me what classes I will be taking, but no times nor room assignments. They don’t offer any advice on how to situate my money while there or what kind of electronic converter I need to ensure my computer doesn’t blow up.
Where Goldsmiths College failed to give me information, the Study Abroad department at Northeastern helped fill in the gaps. I have a whole binder full of information, including flight information, what to expect in classes and with grades, insurance information, tips for packing and traveling and an idea of how much money will be needed for spending.
They suggest bringing $5,000 to $6,000. I have worked my ass off all summer to reach this goal. It’s great to know that by September, all my earnings will be pumped into the European economy, far away from my own wallet.
I got cash converted this past week. The AAA is a good resource for traveling and will exchange money with no fees as long as you hand over $500 American bucks. In return I was left with a measly 205 pounds and 75 euros, which will probably see me through my first weekend of shopping and drinking at the pubs.
As for how I will manage the rest of my money, I am still very unsure. Bank of America claims their customers can use Barclay’s Bank in London without any ATM or conversion fees. I hope this is true.
Only time will tell if Bank of America is going to scam me as well. I find it preposterous that I have to pay someone to get my hands on my own money, but when it comes to these types of things, there is a lot I don’t understand. Some claim it makes sense; I just view it as Uncle Sam putting down the man.
Besides all the uncertainties, I couldn’t be more excited or anxious to get on that plane. I feel like a little kid again when I couldn’t sleep Christmas Eve or the night before my birthday. My body, literally, can’t handle the anticipation.
All I can do is wait it out until 7 p.m. Friday when my journey will finally begin.
