Shipping and Handling

Prior, Proper Planning Prevents Poor, Packing Possibilities

News Flash - We have bought a few things while we have been in London and traveled the world. We have more stuff now than when we arrived, and thinking about how to get it all home deserves some serious and timely thought.

An excellent strategy is to have parents, relatives and friends visit towards the end of the semester. If they can travel light or bring an extra "case" as the Brits say, perhaps they can take back with them the heavier clothing that we're no longer wearing or some of the gifts that we have purchased for ourselves and others.

One brilliant mom, armed with a matching set of luggage, packed her 27" bag with clothes, then placed it inside her 29" bag. When she arrived, she had a whole empty bag that could be filled with her daughter's stuff. Did I say brilliant?

My own personal experience is that Philadelphia International is a little less particular than Heathrow about weight limits, dimensions of carry ons and alike. Both Heathrow and Gatwick limit the size of women's purses! If it's too big, they will count it as your carry on. It's an outrage! Then again, when you see the size of some of the handbags they sell in Harrods, no wonder.

Don't forget about what you must check and what you CANNOT carry on. Liquids seem to be the item that causes the most last minute chaos.

The Waiting Game

Thursday (Day 81): Course Registration

Developing a plan of action, attempting registration for the first time ever, in the wee hours of the morning from across the pond is a little daunting. VSB provided plenty of support. Mrs. Pitts, my advisor, has responded quickly to my every email, but the process is .... well, nerve wracking.

Because I'm trying to manage a dual degree program in both the School of Business and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, there are a few more balls to juggle, which makes scheduling tricky. I have mapped out three strategies. With a little luck and lots of help, I'll be able to take ethics with a favorite professor, get into a Corporate Responsibility class with friends from GCP, and schedule Astronomy with a lab, along with two other classes for a total of 19 hours.

Wish me luck. Too bad my weekend destination isn't Ireland!

Housing and Roommates

Complaining Distresses Me So.

To be honest, we really didn't know what to expect when we arrived. Manson Place is adequate, but the living situation does leave a little to be desired.

The co-ed flats for VU-GCPers are in the basement, I'm guessing because there are so few of us in comparison to the guys. There are no windows and only one bedroom for the four of us in Flat 1. Three share the one bedroom in Flat 2, and they have no common room. Meanwhile, the guys are upstairs in larger flats - two per bedroom, 6 or 8 per flat, with larger kitchens and common rooms. There is a public common room and a study space on the basement floor, which is convenient for us basement dwellers.

We all started out sharing our refrigerators and cooking dinners together. As time has gone on, many bedrooms, (which include metal bunks and single beds but not much else) and some common rooms resemble cyclone city. Although we have a cleaning service of sorts, they are not really equal to the task. Bathrooms and kitchens have become an issue.

It's proven difficult to get even the smallest of our groups on the same page when it comes to neatness and cleanliness. Some Villanovans are traveling so frequently on weekends, that just keeping up with the laundry is a daunting task. Visiting family and friends provide the only motivation for neatening and cleaning.

I've taken to eating one big meal during lunch hour at work. I keep small snacks in my suitcase for the morning or evening when the mood strikes, but I have abandoned the kitchen all together.

GCPers who lived on campus fall semester have, I suppose, had an easier transition in this regard. As for me, I do admit that I miss my room at home, especially space for quiet time, a little privacy and space for my stuff!

We made friends with a few students from Boston University, who are also in London for the semester. Let's just say, their housing is sweet.

Chemists and Health Care

Except for An Occasional Hangover?

I guess we'd have to say that our need for medical treatment has been - "knock on wood" - marginal. We have been able to "mind the gap" - no sprains, breaks or bends. There was that short outbreak of 48 hour stuff that a number of us suffered through. Only one of us co-eds was forced to seek medical attention at a free clinic.

You should check your medical insurance to see how they cover overseas expenses before leaving the States.

Practically all of us arrived with generous supplies of our favorite headache and upset stomach medications. Sleeping pills and laxatives aren't a bad idea either. You never know how the change in time zone, climate and diet will effect you.

There are "chemists" (that's British for pharmacy) nearby. Boots is a chain that you can find everywhere. It's like CVS or any other drug store chain in America. Many of the brands at Boots are unfamiliar though, so finding a good clerk for such purchases is essential. The closest clinic was a couple of tube stops away, so waiting until the last minute to head out is unwise.

Safety First

South Kensington and Surounding Environs

It's easy to become complacent about safety in London, I think. After all, British Bobbies don't even carry weapons, right?

(Actually, if you look closely, many appear to be wearing bullet proof vests these days, and they are armed to the teeth around Parliament, and some other government buildings.)

In general, we all feel that London is a very safe place to be. You will hear a taped message on the Tube about not leaving your belongings unattended. The Knight's Bridge Tube Station near Harrods does warn that "pick pockets" do operate in the area, but other than that, personal safety is not the issue that it is in other European countries. A lingering stare, common in France and Italy, is rarely found here. You can be the object of unwanted attention at pubs and bars, but in my limited experience, the UK is a much more "civilized" place.

The Tube and the streets are always busy at least until 10 or 11 PM, and while it's always best to travel in groups, I did make trips to the West End by myself, without fear or problem. The VU guys with whom we traveled were always great companions, when we preferred a late night escort!

The Art of Tipping

To Tip or Not to Tip?

Tipping is not expected in the UK, as in the States, but it is, of course, much appreciated.

Tip are normally not added to a restaurant bill, but some have begun the practice, especially when you are in a large group of 6 or more. Look carefully. If it is not added, the amount most people leave for good serivce is 10% of the total cost.

If you are in a pub, and you ordering "rounds," it's not uncommon to include any performers on stage by shouting, "get them in." More common is to include the bartender by saying "and one for yourself" after you have finished your order. You are actually inviting them to have a drink on you, but in most cases, they will thank you and take a discretionary amount - anything from 20 pence to 2 pounds, depending on the size of the order. You're not expected to do this every time.

To be honest, I never personally tipped in pubs this way. This routine is for a real pro! Our group, however, did leave nice tips at the end of an evening on several occasions.

A good first impression, even in a bar, is important. And if you want to be welcomed back, get good service, even make a few short term friends, it's best not to treat people like strangers you'll never see again.

It is not necessary to tip cab drivers, but their expenses are high and many do work long and lonely hours. I actually tipped drivers very well. My cab drivers in Scotland were exceptional, and I really appreciated them, especially.

To compensate for any nasty thought that I was just another rich American brat on holiday, I always made it a point to say how much I enjoyed their service and acknowledged their friendly helpfulness.

Dispatching the Post

How to Do Mail for London

Our mail doesn't come directly to Manson Place, but is handled at the EUSA administraion building. It's great since our classes are there, so we can check for mail before or after. If a package comes, and we do all love to receive packages, we get email notification from the EUSA staff. I've already received a couple! THANKS Mom and Dad.

International shipping does require some extra paperwork, and Mom and Dad have found out the hard way that the United States Postal Service is both the cheapest and the fastest. That's not to say that shipping is cheap. Regular shipping from the Villanova area takes about six to ten days.

The post offices in England are privately owned. I guess they are operated a little like UPS stores in the States, just not quite as fancy. Unfortunately, the husband and wife who run the South Kensignton Post Office weren't too helpful when I was there last.

More Tools

Trains, Buses and Cabs, Oh My!

The tube, while absolutely excellent, gets very crowded during rush hours. A tip to the wise - most people don't make the effort to walk to the ends of the station platform, therefore the cars at the front and rear of any train are the least crowded. Do yourself a favor!

There are seats designated for the elderly and handicapped, but none for passengers with baggage. Because people are coming in from airports at all hours, people with suitcases can have an especially difficult time. I have been surprised that many riders offer to help. Some will even give up their seats for those less capable of standing. Show a little class!

The tube does shut down at 12:30 am. When we're out late, a play at the West End (my preference) or a pub, club or bar, alternate transportation must be found. The Oyster Card works on buses, but stops are sometimes hard to find and service is less frequent than the tube. If you're in a large group so that searching for the most convenient stop is a little less of a task and a lot more fun, buses are a good option.

Otherwise, cabs are not too difficult to find, especially near hotels and popular night spots. Cash is required and they're not cheap. Cabs in London are large however, so the tab can be split among three, four, maybe more. Don't spend all of your cash at the bar. Pitch in your share!

Tools of the Trade

The transportation system in London is terrific. Do not put off mastering it, because it opens up soooooo many possibilities. At orientation, we received our Oyster Cards and learned about the London Pass. These are pre-paid passes for the underground tube and bus system and a variety of historic places, critical to any visitor to the area. EUSA and Villanova provided us with these, but you will want to explore the available options for anyone planning to visit while you are in London. They are real money savers!

We're in week three here, and while I have pretty much mastered reading the large maps available in every tube station, I still need a little help with changing lines and getting off at just the right stop. An internet site called London Town has turned out to be very useful. If it lists the site or business you need, it almost always includes the "nearest" tube stop and other tips.

We've learned the hard way that a lot of construction takes place in the city on the weekends. Already our favorite tube stops have been closed and whole tube lines have been shut down. Since there is lots of duplication in the system, you can almost always get where you need to go with just a little extra thought. We will not be deterred!

Beyond London, the national train system is excellent, so is Gatwick airport. Though I have yet to use it, several classmates have. It's a little farther away than Heathrow, but a train called the Gatwick Express makes getting to our neighborhood pretty easy.

A word to the wise - The tube is not very handicapped accessible. There are LOTS of steps, and only some tube stops have ramps and elevators. Some have escalators, but many are steep and really long. More words of wisdom - travel light and wear comfortable shoes.

Choices to Be Made

Not that I have a lot of experience or anything, but ..... it seems to me that pubs in Europe are different places than bars in the United States. Still in other ways, these places are very much the same, and I am sure we'll see plenty of bars here too.

Be that as it may, the drinking age in England is indeed 18, so even our host agency plans social events at the local pub for us "global citizens," and if you think there are lots to choose from on the Main Line ..... well just imagine.

The beer is dark, served at almost room temperature, and it's not cheap. Some of us have been out every night since we arrived. Others, less frequently. How you spend your evenings and on what you plan to spend your money are things to think about.... And that's just for starters.

There are lots of choices that anyone planning to study abroad has to make. While it helps that Villanova GCPers have already been in class with each other for a semester, we only have impressions of each other. Assumptions are easily made, and "going along, just to get along" is an easy decision - but maybe not the right decision for everyone.

Meetings of the Most Exciting Variety

This week has certainly been filled with news of London!

Monday was my first internship placement meeting, where I discussed my specific interests and goals with Kaitlin, our London contact. We talked about my goal of finding a way to combine my eventual career in business with my passion for the arts, and how that could apply to my internship sites. We came up with several exciting options, including theater, film/television, galleries/museums, and journalism, with theater being my first choice.

If I get an internship with a theater, I could be working with theater management or PR operations, which would be soooo exciting. And while West End internships are super selective and probably out of the question, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed. It doesn't matter to me where my internship is; anywhere they could place me sounds fascinating and I can't wait to find out where I'll be working! YAY! :)

Tuesday was our pre-departure orientation meeting. Katlin reviewed a lot of what we had heard before, but we got exciting news that if we apply online for an International Student Identification Card, we can get tons of discounts in London (movie tickets, museum admission etc.). We were also given information about how to order our international cell phones, which will surely come in handy while we're there! Incoming calls are free and that's about it. So if you want to call me, the best thing to do would be to get one of those 10 cents a minute international calling cards. Of course, I'm a great advocate of Skype, especially if you have a webcam. That way I can talk to you AND see you for free! WOHOO!

So now, we wait until December 4th: our next meeting. It seems like so far away, but I have the feeling that November is going to fly by! Hopefully I'll have an internship update to post before then, but we'll see what happens!

Homeland Security!

So today was my appointment to get my "biometric data" (aka fingerprints) taken to go along with my Visa Application. It was not easy! You need a special ticket to get into the building. With some difficulty, my Mom and I did locate the Office of Homeland Security. Thank goodness for GPS systems (or Jane, as I affectionately call mine). The very non-threatening looking guard let us in, and I had to leave my mom in the waiting room. I went to the receptionist desk, and was scrutinized along with my passport picture. Good thing I got new ones taken, my hair was much much shorter and I didn't have glasses then (regardless I still look rather creepy in my passport pictures). Before I knew it, I was shut in a tiny cubicle getting my electronic fingerprints taken. Now I can finally have my fingerprints manipulated like on CSI ... oh wait ... I guess that may not be a good thing. Anyway, it took all of 10 minutes; a lot of driving for such a short appointment! So now all I have left is to put everything together and send it to the UK Visa office in New York. I suppose that I should keep my fingers crossed that I won't be denied by the Brits!

VISA of the Non-Shopping Variety

Well, I've finally managed to finish my UK Student Visa Application. I consider completing it a small miracle. There are only so many ways I can assure people that I'm not, in fact, a terrorist and explain that my parents are American. If a study abroad program is in your future, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE with your application. There are a ton of questions to answer. They're all super specific. Now that I have finished it, we need to find an office in Philly to submit my finger prints and various supporting documents.

The next big task is to schedule an appointment to meet with the EUSA London contact to discuss potential internship sites. I'm so excited. I'm going to try to get an internship somehow related to publishing, theater or film. Past Villanova students have been placed with the BBC, which I think would be absolutely amazing.

I cannot wait for it to be January 4th, but with October almost gone I don't even want to think about how fast it's really going to come. It's CRAZY! But everyday in Business Dynamics class, sitting next to Krista, makes me more and more excited! I can't wait to actually post about Londony things instead of logistics and longings!

Cleared for take off!

Yessssssssssssssssss! I got the official e-mail around 9:30 last night and have been freaking out ever since! Everyone is so happy for me today... it was special to say the least. I'm so excited and I've already changed my ringtone to "No Place Like London", fittingly the title of this blog. My good friend from NDA, Krista, was accepted too. We're planning on being roommates.

I've sent an e-mail to the Travers, and cannot wait to spend time with them next year. I want it to be January now! All I really have left to say is that Alan Rickman better get ready because he won't know what hit him! =)

OK, so we'll miss the fireworks in London on New Year's but I'll be ringing in this coming new year with the opportunity of a life time!