...for those who choose to study abroad in London or travel in the UK or EU
Top 10 Helpful Things to Know!
Get a UK number and either get the unlimited data through the Giff Gaff simcard the school provided or research on your own what simcard and plan would be best for you. I paid for the monthly unlimited data through Giff Gaff, and it was helpful that I did not have to worry about running out of data especially since our school’s WIFI was not that great.
Use the Oyster card to tap into the train stations and tube stations. It will be easier to keep track of the balance and monitor how much it costs each trip. Topping off the card is easy, and it is more convenient than using apple pay so your credit card is not constantly charged travel fees.
Use the city mapper app to get around London and any other city you travel to in Europe. It tells you the exact path you should take, which trains, tubes, and buses to take, along with the times each mode of transportation is expected to arrive.
A few other apps to consider downloading is Airbnb, Trainline, Skyscanner, Uber, Get your guide, Hostelworld, Easy jet, Fatsoma, and WhatsApp.
In London, the most reliable airlines are Easy jet, Ryan Air, and British Airways. Do not use Wizz air. (Many also charge extra fees for a carry-on luggage so unless it is absolutely necessary, I would suggest just bringing a backpack to save money.
Plan your trips at LEAST 2 weeks in advance to find the best prices for flights and accommodations. Also, it is helpful to make an itinerary to plan mode of transportation, ways to get to and from your destinations, activities to do, and places to eat. (My friends and I booked tours for some places, and it was nice to be taken around the country without worrying about transportation.)
Flights out of Gatwick or Stansted airport have the cheapest rates, however from the University of Roehampton, it will take an hour to get to the airport or a 45-minute Uber. Always check when the last or first train arrives to and from the airport before booking your flights because you could get stuck paying for a $90 uber like I did.
Invest in a good puffer jacket and pair of boots. My puffer jacket kept me so warm even without my layers during the winter. I used it every day especially when the days got colder.
In Greece, during the winter season many of the beaches and islands can be closed so be sure to check and research the island you want to go to beforehand. In addition, public transportation in Athens was easy to navigate and the metro is convenient.
In many of the European countries you can sit anywhere you want without waiting for a server to seat you. Just find an open table, sit down, and then someone will be over to take your order shortly.
A lot of the countries did not split the check at the end of a meal. If you are eating with a friend and want to pay separately, you must ask to split the check. (If the restaurant cannot, one person can pay, and you can use Venmo or cash to pay them back.)
Always bring your student ID around with you when you go shopping or travel. Many museums, shops, and other activities offer student discounts if you show them your ID. It can be helpful so be sure to look out for the signs on the doors!
Traveling in Italy
You must buy your train tickets and validate them using the machines at ALL the train stations.
The bus routes and trains may not announce the stops so be sure to double check when to get on or off
Taxis only take cash and in Como Ubers do not usually run
The best way to get around Lake Como is through water taxi or ferry
Traveling in Greece
The rail system/bus system
Traveling in Iceland
Check the weather constantly because the wind can get really strong. (Do NOT travel during yellow or red warnings)
The water system they use there is the natural springs water (for cold water/drinking water) and the heated sulfur hot springs (for warm water/showering). The tap water in Iceland is safe to drink and is said to be one of the cleanest in the world (but make sure the water is on "cold" before filling up your bottle). Since the warm water has sulfur in it, the shower would smell like eggs. It is perfectly normal and you eventually get used to the smell.
Use the KLAPPID app to buy bus tickets and use the QR code to scan onto the bus.
HOPP Scooters is a fun way to get around but it can be scary on icy roads
Traveling in Paris
The ground floor is considered the ground floor not level 1. So to get to your room on the third floor you have to walk up 3 flights of stairs.
The rail system...
There are known to be a lot of pick-pocketers so I would suggest using a fanny pack to wear close to your body under your clothes.
Traveling in Amsterdam
You can use your phone to tap in to board the tube.
Use the trams as well
Traveling in Switzerland
Iceland and Switzerland are very pricey and every meal was over 20 USD.
I did not use cash at all. Majority of the vendors and restaurants took card or Apple Pay. (BUT I would suggest taking out Swiss Frank only if you plan to go to the Christmas Markets because most only took cash there).
Research which rail pass to purchase. We purchased the 72 hour Zurich pass that allowed us to use the train during the 3 days we were there. (Get the app with the QR code)