What I Wish I Knew Before Coming to Harlaxton

By: Dallas Carter

 

Studying abroad at Harlaxton can be an intimidating experience for everyone involved. Parents are worried about their student’s safety and students are worried about navigating a foreign country on their own. Luckily, universities back home provide helpful study abroad resources. The University of Evansville even makes Harlaxton students take mandatory bi-weekly information sessions the semester before they attend. Even with these resources, not all your questions will get answered. Many students face unexpected realities or challenges when arriving and traveling abroad. To help, here are the top 10 things I wish I had known before coming to Harlaxton.

 

 

1.  British studies is not a typical college class

 

British Studies is worth six credits and is broken up into two parts: a lecture and a small-group seminar. The lectures are not what you’re used to (they’re traditional British lectures). Professors don’t ask questions or expect student interaction or even wait to make sure everyone has written down what’s on each slide. Instead, the speaking Professor will spend the hour giving a well-prepared lecture, with a small amount of accompanying slides, no pauses, no breaks, or extra time for you to catch up.

            While this sounds intimidating, it can be easy to manage as long as you apply yourself, pay attention, and focus on writing notes on the key points. The best way to do well in British studies is to keep up with your readings so you can understand and participate in the discussions during the seminar portion. Also, pay attention to the handbook—consider it to be a British studies version of the Bible.

 

 

2. Flights aren’t free

 

            The study abroad class at UE emphasizes the easiness of traveling once you arrive in England. Trains are quick and cheap and flights are easy to book. The UE rumor mill even produces stories about 5 pound flights to countries in continental Europe. However, prices have typically been higher than any of us expected.

 I took a walk around the Manor one Sunday after we had first arrived and came across several students on the phone with their parents. The topic of conversation: flights were expensive. Granted they are much cheaper than flying inside the United States, and fairly-good prices can be found by checking multiple sites, departure times, and airlines. I suggest using an incognito tab when booking trips so that you will see the best prices each time you search.

 

 

3. Balancing travel and coursework is a delicate situation

 

            While travel is a well-discussed topic before leaving for Harlaxton, classes and homework are often forgotten. When I arrived at the manor and we had our first British Studies lecture, I had almost forgotten I was here to study. It is easy to get swept up in the magic and excitement that comes with this experience. However, British studies alone assigns readings, presentations, and a term paper throughout the semester. Add on at least two other classes with homework and sometimes even field trips and you can get overwhelmed. Luckily, it isn’t hard to find a balance between weekend travel and homework.

            I recommend blocking out set times during the week to study or do class work. Also taking a weekend off from travel to catch up on work isn’t a bad idea. Not only will you get homework done, but you’ll also have time to organize plans for other trips, save some money, and, of course, catch-up on Netflix. If you are worried about tipping the scale too far towards your studies, take a break on a weekend with a scheduled local culture trip. You will still have a day to travel without the stress of planning a trip and you can even do your homework on the bus.

 

 

4. Take a combination of school-sponsored and independent trips

 

            Another trapeze balancing act at Harlaxton is independent travel and school-sponsored trips. Some people have had their favorite trips organized by the school, while others never took the sponsored-travel option. While a lot of it is personal preference, both options have strengths and weaknesses.

            School trips relieve students of the hassle of planning and booking their own travel and accommodation, but independent travel allows for more freedom and a wider variety of destinations. If you are extremely anxious about organizing your own trips, then take advantage of the sponsored travel. However, if you are unsure or indifferent, book two or three school trips and leave the rest of your schedule open. This gives you the opportunity for planning trips to unexpected countries and with new people you meet at the Manor. For the school trips, I recommend the London trip at the beginning of the semester, which gives you time to explore and settle in to life abroad, and the Italy trip at the end because it is nine days long and the travel between three Italian cities is taken care of for you.

 

5. England is cold, but not just outside

 

            Winter in America is cold, but nothing feels better than coming indoors, taking off your ten layers and being warm. At Harlaxton however, you will always want layers. Although the information session mentions the importance of layers and warm clothes, they were always referencing trips and outdoor excursions. I was unprepared for the cold temperature of the manor, in common rooms, classrooms, and the refractory alike. Luckily, most of the dorm rooms aren’t freezing, but still pack for warmth and comfort over fashion to survive in the Manor.

            I suggest bringing thicker socks than you would normally wear and warm lounge shoes like slippers with non-slip soles or Ugg boots. Sweaters or long-sleeve shirts are another essential that will keep you warm, but can also be dressed up for classes or travel. An item that I wish I had packed to keep warm would be a soft travel blanket. It’s easy to buy one in town, but if you can pack it ahead of time and you can use it on trips, in airports, the common rooms, and at night.     

 

 

6. Be spontaneous

 

            With all the planning, scheduling and booking ahead that takes place at Harlaxton, you can begin to feel like you are running from one thing to the next. It is important to leave open places in your schedule for simply hanging out or something unexpected. Opening yourself up to unplanned activities can lead to some of your best memories at Harlaxton.

            One of the most important things I’ve learned since being abroad is that you should be spontaneous every once in a while. Yes, the study abroad pamphlet in your university's office says to be prepared, but taking part in unexpected events gives you a nice break from the clockwork of the rest of the semester.

            I had planned a free weekend to catch up on homework and sleep, but I was invited to Nottingham for a day trip and I got to visit underground caves and a cat cafe I wouldn’t have seen before. When I was in Edinburgh we had nothing to do one night and were going to stay at our hostel for a few hours, but instead bought tickets to see a Queen Tribute band at Edinburgh Playhouse. It is one of my favorite things I’ve done so far!

If you want to start being spontaneous on a smaller scale, I encourage you to go to the Bistro on a Wednesday, even if you have class the next morning and had planned on going to bed early. Or even take part in a surprise house competition or play in a Harlaxton Lion’s basketball game on a night they request extra players. Don’t be afraid to say yes to things, as they could lead to some of your favorite experiences at Harlaxton.

 

 

7. Harlaxton isn’t always picture perfect

 

            Smiling faces and candid laughter with Harlaxton Manor as a backdrop. This image greeted me on the front of the orientation folder for my Harlaxton session and it painted a picture of perfection. Pair that with countless happy Facebook posts from my peers who traveled before me and you get a dangerous concoction of unrealistic expectations. Don’t get me wrong, Harlaxton is a whirlwind of excitement and enjoyment, but you aren’t in a protective bubble.

            Whether it’s homesickness, a bad grade, or issues while traveling, you are still going to face everyday struggles and life hardships while at Harlaxton. Many of my friends got colds soon after arriving and had to attend their first trips with fevers and runny noses. But just like at home, they got better and still managed to see the silver lining—they are in England! As long as you can take the good with the bad and remember life goes on, you will still get your picture perfect moments.

 

8. Expect unexpected costs

 

            Your flight is booked, train tickets printed and hostel paid for. You have scheduled and reserved tickets to museums, castles, and pub crawls, but then you get to your destination a disaster strikes—you need a taxi from the airport to your hostel and when you get there it costs 50 Euros. Life is full of the unexpected, and traveling while at Harlaxton is full of unexpected expenses.

            The story of the overpriced taxi is a true event that happened to me and a friend when arriving in Paris. On another trip we ended up spending 20 pounds on a metro pass for the weekend. While it was well worth the cost, we had not anticipated spending the extra money. Don’t worry too much when you have to spend a little more than you wanted because you won’t remember those few dollars when you reflect back, you’ll remember the amazing memories they led to. However, do be prepared and always bring a small emergency fund for every trip.

   

9. Manage your free time

 

            By now you are probably thinking you will have zero free time in Harlaxton. That’s what I was expecting as well. But during the week, there will be moments in between classes, free evenings and, if you’re lucky, days were your schedule ends at 11 am with British Studies. This abundance of free time is a blessing, but it can also be a curse.

            Managing your free time is an important part of planning at Harlaxton. If you aren’t careful you will spend your open hours scrolling through Facebook or playing chess in the junior common room. While these are both acceptable ways to unwind, doing them too often can lead to problems. Make sure you use some of your free time to organize yourself, do homework, and maybe even clean your room! Doing this can take a lot of energy at the time, but you’ll be thankful for it when Monday comes and you aren’t as stressed about upcoming due dates.

 

 

10. Form your own opinions

 

            No matter what I or anyone else tells you, take it with a grain of salt. In the end, you know yourself the best. You have your own time management tips and tricks, wardrobe preferences, planning strategies, budget and opinion on travel options. I can give you a play-by-play of my every moment at Harlaxton, but it won’t matter because you will still have your own different and unique experience.

            While listening to other people’s advice and experiences can help to prepare you for the semester and ease your worries, you have to eventually take the reins. Using your own past experiences, expectations, and preferences, you should form your own opinion about each aspect of Harlaxton. Because of this opinion you will sometimes have to go at it alone. Maybe break away from the group to climb Arthur's Seat in Scotland or go all out and plan a solo trip if no one else wants to visit your dream destination.

 

No matter what else happens, this is your study abroad experience and you have to take control of it for yourself. You and your own attitude will make or break your semester. So take my advice, listen in the info session, pack well, and then come to Harlaxton and experience it for yourself. Only then will you be truly prepared for this life-changing semester.