How and Where to study abroad?

I live in the states and have always wanted to move to London. I thought going to school there would be the best way to make the transition. Does any one have any suggestions? I've hear horror stories about being mugged there. Is it really something to be afraid of or were my friends over reacting? Which schools should I look at? Is there anything else that I need to know?
Thanks.

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Dear CatiRose,

I might be able to help you as I live in the USA and I enjoyed the wonderful experience of studying in London from 1996-1997.

To begin let me ask a few questions here. What makes you want to move to London? What is behind your motivation? (You should have a really good reason and not just a romantic notion) The only reason I ask is because moving to a foreign county will be a pretty big commitment your life especially if you are at an age where you are just entering college. The UK is an awesome place and I LOVE it there very much but just remember too just because they speak English there it is NOT similar to the US by a long shot; the culture is very different, heck the English in the UK is very different from what you are used to. I fell in love with the culture and people immediately. Many of my American collegues did not and were very homesick for the US. Consider that before you do anything rash.

If I were you I would attend a University in the USA that has a study abroad programme and go to London for a year. That way if you like it and you could always transfer to a University there or graduate from your US university and think about graduate work there. That is a more cautious approach that will give a chance to see if you like it without having to make a huge commitment. Most Universities in the US have these types of programmes. Even if your University does not, you can apply through another one. Both Beaver College and Butler University in the US offer programmes to student who done even attend their university. That is how I was in London for a year as I went with my home universitie's programme for the 1st semester and on Butler university's for the second.

Regarding muggings and stuff like that, it all depends on where in London you go. The programmes generally put you up in nice areas of Central London which are quite safe for the most part. I lived in the West End and I NEVER had any trouble there and I used to be out walking alone very late at night on some Fridays. If you head to other parts though it can be quite dangerous just like any other big city.

I hope all of this had given you food for thought. Good Luck with your decision. Please ask me more questions if you want more info. I will be happy to help you in any way I can.

Sincerely,

Jez the Yank

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Well it depends what your friends said!

Of course people get mugged here, but it is not common. You can google crime statistics in London, they are hardly something 'to be afraid of.'

If you show a reasonable amount of common sense - as you would expect in a big city, especially at night-time, then you will have to be unlucky to be mugged. Don't let the thought of it ruin your trip.

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