Time Flies

The other day, I read over my blog post entries from last August. 

Crazy to think that is has almost been a year since I started grad school, huh?

The entries from last summer clearly focused on my preparations about London and grad school. Those pages still get tons of page views weekly, so I do hope they are helping others! If you can't tell, this summer, I don't have the same preparations as I did before.  

My visa is still active until after I graduate next June, my phone plan is still ongoing with direct payments from my UK bank account, and my housing is all set.  It's nice to have everything set up ahead of time while I was gone this summer. Although, I still have qualms about packing to go back in a few weeks. 

Not worrying about finding a new landlord or putting my belongings in storage was the best thing that I could have done. I'm staying in my same flat with the same company. After all, you can't beat Notting Hill/Ladbroke Grove! 

As for the preparations that I have made this summer, the majority of them focus on what is next. Of course,  I made a list of courses I'm interested in taking. I filed the paperwork to change streams from public and economic policy to public management. And, I even have my internships set for the fall! 

What remains on my to-do list before I depart at the end of September is preparing different versions of my resume and other career documents to prepare for the upcoming job applications. Luckily, though, I can do that in the comfort of my home with my dog at my feet. 

I've got about a month left before I hop the pond again. Stay tuned!

MPA Registration and Orientation

Outside the New Academic Building

Yesterday, I became an official London School of Economics student! Starting off the day with a cup of coffee on my commute was much needed as it was the first day that I've been here with a set schedule. Finally, I've adjusted to the time difference and have gotten over jet-lag. Registration was fairly quick.

As an international student (sometimes it's weird to hear that phrase), I had to show both my passport and my visa. The UK Border is being serious in checking student visas lately as we learned that another institution in the UK was not checking, got in serious trouble, and had to send all of their students home. Once I finished registration, I went to pick up my student ID card. Even after submitting all my paperwork and photo online, it wasn't quite ready. I can pick up Monday which is fine because only a few buildings I have found so far require showing it to get inside.

After registration, we had a scheduled lunch at 13:00 (I'm getting re-used to the time writing), but since it was 11am, a bunch of us headed for a cafe on campus. The LSE Garrick will become my favorite place to eat, do work, and grab a coffee with a friend. It reminds me of Schine Dinning, but with a little more flare, for all of those from Syracuse reading this. It was nice being able to get to know some more first-years that are embarking on the journey as well.

Our lunch hour was the first time that almost all the first years were in the same place. Around 70 or so were there, and while the lunch fare was not the usual pizza that was given at free lunches at Syracuse, it was well worth it.  I finally got to meet Kaitlyn, another American. We have been talking literally since May on Facebook about everything in terms of preparations.

MPA Orientation came after lunch. I got my first taste of an LSE classroom. It was a lecture hall, but more compact than I am used to. Let's just say it reminded me of a typical classroom, with stadium seating and small desks. It was not a Maxwell Auditorium or HBC. But, it's another way that I am going to be getting used to the UK education system.

The Dean of the Programme, Lloyd Gruber, started off the hour-long presentation of what we need to know these first few weeks. He recently took over being the director of the programme and comes from a wide range of academia experience, on both sides of the ocean. Providing humor throughout the presentation allowed us to take in the seriousness of the program while also share a few laughs.

We started off our orientation with tabbing in anonymous answers to demographic questions. Regions of the world where were all from, ages, work experience, and fun questions relating to London. I was quick to notice after the age tab that I am one of the youngest in the program as that was almost the smallest bracket represented. At the same time, I also noticed quickly the difference in the years working. While I did a lot of internships during my time at Syracuse, I have never been in the "real world." Our Dean noted that those who have not been in school for a long period of time are intimidated by not studying in a long period of time. At the same time, he stated that those of us who had been accepted straight out of undergrad were "hot stuff." It was a nice compliment to receive as those of us in this programme are clearly all type As.

One of the more funnier questions that we responded to in the little quiz was our future career ambitions. Only five percent of the room want to be in an elected office position. You better believe I made up that five percent. #WALPOLE2040

The rest of our orientation hour was getting used to the programme regulations, hearing the phrase, "some of you will fail," course selection, and general information on how to use the online applications.  After using Blackboard for four years, I have to learn a new program called Moodle to submit documents, gather class information, etc.

We also learned about the new aspect that the Institute of Public Affairs is launching. The Policy in Practice Seminar Series is going to be a weekly Thursday evening event with those in public policy careers (government, non-profits, etc.) to discuss the more practical side of what we are learning in the classroom. As Dean Gruber mentioned the new series will feature discussions from the new director of LSE, Lords, and Nobel Laureates. One of the best things about it is that it is a MPA-only event. Other LSE events often fill up very quickly when distinguished guests come to campus.

Once we did all the academic work, we were divided into groups of about 15 to begin a 30 minute policy challenge. The question, you may ask was : "What is the greatest policy challenge facing the world? And, how should it be solved?" Yes, 30 minutes in a group of 15 had to answer that. Before our group began working, we all introduced ourselves-name, where we were from, past work/education, greatest accomplishment. My group only had a few people that I had already met. Let's just say this once again: Everyone in this program has a unique story that makes you want to sit down and keep asking questions. We all have ambitious goals.

2nd Year MPA Student Profile Booklet

As for the policy challenge, our group eventually decided on socio-economical inequalities between blocs. Our attempt to solve the problem resulted in four different actions.  Eventually, all the groups presented to a group of professors (who we will have!) to receive feedback. Much of the feedback was devoted to setting more benchmarks, defining the problem more effectively, etc. The challenge itself reminded me a lot of the mini-challenges we did in PAF 101, and yes, I did feel as if Coplin was somewhere snickering to himself.

And, for the cap of the evening, the MPASA (MPA Student Association) organized an open-bar in the Underground. The Underground is one of the several on-campus bars. And, while it was not Chucks, it clearly has potential to be.  Having a few drinks with my new classmates, I got to know a lot better. But many of us left early as it was raining, sleepiness, etc.

And, yes, if you haven't figured it out yet, I'm clearly very excited to get started. I have not started classes yet, and I feel I'm in one of those moments that I've only experienced a handful of times before in the world of academia. I had many moments at Syracuse where I was truly challenged and rewarded for hard work, but this is different. They say grad school is different, and so far, I have found that. I'm looking forward to the rest of this year (and next too)! 

Hello Governour!

Cheers from across the pond! I've been in London for three days now, and I honestly cannot express how much I am so happy to be back! From taking the bus to the tube within the first few hours to eating at Pret and EAT to having a glass of Ribena, it was memories all over from 2010.

At the moment, I'm currently sitting in my now sparkling flat and have finished unpacking! It's been three days of scrubbing, unpacking, and organizing. But, more on the flat later...

As for my journey, it was quite smooth despite some minor disturbances. Mom and Dad took me to Syracuse where I thankfully was able to check my bags all the way through to London. Only two of them were essentially overweight, so I considered that a job well done. Yet, as soon as we all said goodbye (with some tears), and I made my way through security, there was a delay right away. Supposedly, the plane arriving from JFK was late, but eventually it "arrived," and we were on our way!   At JFK, I quickly managed to jump over to the international terminal and upgraded my economy seat to economy with extra leg room. It's the difference of almost another half seat, and I must say it is needed on the longer flights. Once I got through security once more, I exchanged some money, and before you knew it, we were boarding.

I flew Virgin Atlantic as I did the last time I flew to London, and I'm happy once again that I did. The extra leg room was a plus as well as not fighting for a blanket or a pillow. A quick dinner, dessert, and hot chocolate, and I settled in to watch "The Hunger Games." I finally fell asleep for a few hours to the "Lucky One" (guess that could say something about the movie?). I woke up just as breakfast was being served, and before you knew it, we landed. However, once we taxied to the gate, we had a bit of a delay.  Sleepy-eyed, I was wide awake as soon as five police officers came on board and escorted a man off.  At what was 3am Eastern time, that was quite the entertainment. The stewardess near us said that usually that only happens when someone is trying to enter the country when they are no longer allowed.

Groggy-eyed, I made my way to the immigration line to only find a two-hour wait. A nightmare, it was. When I finally got to the an agent, even with a visa, I had to produce all my financial documents and acceptance letter. But, I got into the country! After grabbing my suitcases and navigating a very heavy luggage through a sea of people, I found the usual, pleasant taxi cab waiting for me. Talking with the cab driver as we navigated through Central London, just got me more and more excited to be back.

After arriving in Notting Hill, I was able to check in to my accommodation, but couldn't get to my room yet.  So, I stored my bags, and took off to get something to eat.  I stopped quickly to buy an oyster card at a convenience store, topped it up with five pounds, and hopped on a bus to Notting Hill Gate tube stop. From there, I took the Central line to Holborn- an area I know very well due to the Syracuse building being there. I stopped at Pret for a bit to eat, and then set up a basic phone plan at O2. Unfortunately, I can't have a "real" phone plan until my bank account is all set up, so I have to wait a bit. I managed to get a 20 pound deal that includes texting, phone calls, and web (more on the web situation in a future post). After that, I headed down to Starbucks, stopped to buy some housewares at Argos (think Target), and unpacked for the rest of the evening.

 It was not such an eventful day as I was trying to get settled in as well as deal with jet lag. I went to bed at 9pm (UK time) that evening-that's how tired I was!

Tomorrow is orientation, but I'll have a scheduled post to get you all up-to-date till tonight! Look out for a post about my flat this weekend! CHEERS!

The Best is Yet to Come...

As I put on the brand new Taylor Swift song (read: HUGE fan), I can't help but think that there are only 33 days left before I leave the country. It's weird, but in a good way. I'm sitting on my bed currently, and I can see the barn lit up. Soon, my image through the window will reflect the city that I fell in love with. A change from a small town life that I lived this summer to the bustling city that I will continue to work on achieving my dreams.

With 33 days left, the majority of my preparations are done. I've paid for my first housing payment,  and I have my visa approved and back. I've gotten a lot of miscellaneous things that I needed, ordered new glasses, said several "see you laters" after a few road trips to visit friends, and have started my master running packing list.

Left to do? Finally get new suitcases, order contacts, and finish my preparations to do math once again.

I've started to get more info on the first few weeks at LSE. The biggest news? 

KOFI ANNAN will be speaking during what is dubbed as Orientation Week. Now, I think that is just pretty awesome. It will be a ticketed event, and I will be working my hardest to get a ticket to see him! Other events have started to be added to the LSE Event Calendar including several lectures that I will hopefully be able to attend!

As for the courses, I've been spending time reviewing the list of options for my final unit during the first year. About five courses at the moment are on my list to take-some are half units which would mean an additional half unit course as well. I have to admit that I would like to take more than one or two as so many of them sound interesting. At the moment, the two half-unit courses that are looking the most interesting to me are the US Legislative course and a course around leadership in organizations.

I've also signed up for the MPA-Student Association (MPASA) buddy system. I'll be paired with a second year student to help with questions and ease the transition.

And, finally, I'm excited to announce that I will be an international contributor for the International Political Forum. I'll be sure to mention when I have an article posted. I'll also be interning virtually for the US Department of State through the Virtual Student Foreign Service program for the second year! 

Visa = Success!

Applying for a Tier 4 Student Visa was somewhat of a nightmare. It's needed to be a student in London as well as for the chance of interning while I am there. It was inevitable, but at least it is over now.

When I studied abroad in London during my junior year, I had a student visa for the limited period of time that I was there.  Syracuse was super helpful during the whole process for that. From the step-by-step guide to the whole-checking process of how it all went, #orangenation never let me down.

This time, LSE did provide guidance, but there were many times where I thought I'd get rejected. Lots of what I read in the LSE guide for international students to the UK Visa application steps to even the British Consulate website, there was no general consensus on what documents had to be sent in.  I had to send in a transcript for the courses I took at the local community college in high school and my Syracuse transcript. It proved that I was qualified, met the unconditional offer requirements by LSE, and could speak English. Being from the US, the money specifics classified me as a low-risk applicant. I still had to show that I had funds (approx. 1000 pounds sterling) for nine months. My loan letter proving my government loans worked fine for that!

Yes, I know what you may be thinking. My program lasts till June 2014, but I only had to show funds for nine months.

See what I mean about being confusing?

Nevertheless, it is done! It will arrive tomorrow (it's inside my passport)! I'm not sure I will look at the photo included on the visa (typical, horrible passport photo), but having my visa makes London so much closer.

Here's the general timetable for how long it took for me to go through the process:

• Filled out the online paperwork and gathered materials: Week of July 5th
• Biometrics Appointment: July 9th
• Mailed (Overnight) to NYC: July 10th
• Arrived in NYC: July 11th
• E-mail Received saying that my application had been opened: July 17th
• Visa Issued E-mail: July 24th

It followed the three weeks processing timing that was listed on the website! I'm finishing up a post about tips for applying to graduate schools abroad this week- stay tuned!

2 Months.

I can't believe that in two months I will board my plane to head back to my favorite city. It's a surreal feeling. #excitement #nervous #adventureawaits

When I studied abroad that was an adventure, but there was still a lot of guidance because of Syracuse. This time, I'll be starting at a new school and will be more on my own. Planning wise, I think I've made huge progress in the last month. 

What's Been Completed

1. Visa Application- I mailed in my visa application on July 10th.  The current processing time is about two to three weeks according to the website. I haven't received a confirmation e-mail that many have said they receive once processing begins. But, then again, when I applied for my Visa the last time I studied in London, I never received an e-mail as well, and that went through without a hitch.  
2. Doctors Appointments- The necessities of getting contacts, teeth cleaned, etc. have all been done! It was a hectic two weeks- all the appointments seemed to run within the same week.
3. Absentee Ballot- Mailed! Anyone who knows me well knows I'm an avid supporter of civic engagement, and I wouldn't miss an election even if I was across the pond.
4. HSBC Passport Account- I received information from HSBC confirming that my passport account has been set up. I just have to show my passport and proof of a USA address once I arrive in London.  When I was reviewing the different banks to work with for the next two years, the Passport Account seemed like the best for me. It's got the online banking which will be helpful, low rates for ATMs, etc. Check out the website here: http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/current-accounts/uk-bank-account .  If you're a US student studying abroad in London for more than a semester, to receive your student loans disbursement and to actually use the money, you have to bank it. 
5. Loans-  Speaking of loans, I'm all set! My first disbursement will be on October 1st! US Federal Loans are disbursed three times in an academic year. LSE will take a third of my tuition, and  I will receive the rest of the amount in pounds sterling. 
6. Flight- I bought it early before the price increases dramatically. I'll be flying out of Syracuse then JFK on September 17th.  I chose to fly on Jet Blue and Virgin Atlantic. When I studied abroad before, I flew Virgin Atlantic, and the service was outstanding for an airline! The baggage fees were waived for one of my bags when the woman found out I was studying abroad and returning home. 
7. Housing- I've reserved a studio in Nido Notting Hill. It's about a ten minute walk to Westbourne Tube Station. From Westbourne, I'd get on the Hammersmith and City Line and then change to the Piccadilly Line to Holborn. Or, I could take the bus to Notting Hill Gate and take the Central Line to Holborn. Either way, even though my housing is a little farther away from campus, it's still in zone one. Choosing between the three Nido properties (Spitalfields and King's Cross are the other two locations.), I chose Notting Hill for an escape, the location as well as what I consider a fun neighborhood. It's still in Kensington and Chelsea- I'll actually be about a 15 minute tube ride away from where I lived before! 

What Still Needs to Be Done

1. Finish Payment for First Installment of my Housing
2. Order my unlocked iPhone -  Being a person who can't go an hour without wondering what has happened on Twitter, the situation surrounding a phone abroad has been well researched. I'll be leaving my US phone home, and I will be buying an unlocked iPhone 3 from Apple. I'm currently using a 4s, but international plan through Verizon costs an arm and a leg. Buying an unlocked phone allows me to take it to O2 (the cell phone company that I plan to use in London) and join their 12 month sim plan. I'll receive a sim card and will be able to purchase a plan that is suitable for me. 
3. Review of Basic Pre-Calc and Economic Principles- Not one who likes to go into situations unprepared, I've started reviewing math concepts for my pre-semester course as well as academic year. Likewise, I've begun reviewing basic micro and macro concepts as it has been three years since I took economics for my policy studies major. 
4. ISIC Card- I ordered my card, but I just have to activate it! When I used the card studying abroad before, I received a lot of discounts including free entrances to a lot of museums, etc. on weekends away. 

I've still got a lot to do it feels like. There's plenty of small things that didn't even make it onto the above list. Stay tuned for more updates!

CHEERIO!