Well, just doing a little pre-trip information gathering I have determined a list of things I probably need to study before getting on the plane:
1. World, and U.K. soccer, cricket, and rugby stats and systems. How it works, who's big, who's the underdog, what's going on in the sport in general, and most importantly, how do you play?
2. Clubs at the University of Brighton. It would be awesome if I could join a sailing club. Sailing is one of my all-time favorite hobbies, and what better place to sail than the coast of England?
3. I have discovered through some research I have done that Brighton is one of the most popular, recreational, ocean front vacation spots in England. It's probably the most famous. But I need to discover more of it's history. When was it founded originally? Who founded it? The British? The French? The Romans?
4. How the tube works.
5. Common slang words for things.
6. Important towns/cities and their locations in England.
7. Popular television shows
8. Popular celebrities
9. Recent events and news.
10. Popular past times of young people... are they a politically involved culture? Do they tend to be more apathetic about things? What are their interests?
Hopefully, I will find the answers to these questions and get more information on the subjects, when I do, I will post a blog about it!
This is just the beginning of a LOAD of information dissemination on my part.
Hope the info becomes useful, or at least a nice look back over my journey.
Til next time!
Ciao
Hannah
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Banks, bicycles, P&P, Sunset Boulevard, and antimacassars...
So, the University of Brighton has messed up the dates of study on my visa. I hope it does not effect the processing of my Visa. That would just be more salt on the already sore wound, however I'm pretty sure everything will be O.K.
A couple of things...
First of all, since I'm going to be in England for such a long time, I think I will open a local bank account. It will be useful, just around the corner, and fun. Don't ask me why I think bank accounts are fun. They just are.
I'm also going to buy a cheap old bicycle (if I can find one). I get the impression that Brighton, although cheaper than London to live in, is not, necessarily a cheap place. It seems to be the Myrtle Beach of England. Or the Malibu of England. A very popular, recreational ocean vacation spot. I guess it has been for quite some time.
In Pride and Prejudice, the youngest daughter Lydia goes to Brighton with Colonel Foster's wife, where Lydia meets up with Wickham, and runs away to London. In one part of the book, Kitty-- the second youngest-- says, "If I should go to Brighton, I would behave much better than Lydia." To which Mr. Bennett replies, "Brighton! I wouldn't trust you as near it as Eastborn. No, believe me, Kitty, I have learned my lesson and the rest of you shall pay for it. No man in uniform is ever to enter my house again, you are not to stir outdoors unless you can prove you've spent ten minutes of your day in a rational manner, and balls and dances are strictly prohibited, unless you stand up with one of your sisters!"
The quotes go something to that effect.
Jane Austen's books are my favorites. I could read them my whole life and not grow tired of them. Not my whole life nonstop, you know. Just off and on. Well, you get it.
On a different note:
Did you know that the fabric on couches and chairs that drapes over the headrests and arms of the furniture is called an antimacassar?
Well, they are.
Reason: Macassar oil was, apparently, the producer of a popular men's hair grease back in the Victorian era. To save the fabric on their furniture from ruin, the housewives made little doilies or coverings and pinned them to the chairs, protecting them from all the hair scum. Thus, antimacassars! The English language is a fascinating animal.
And ah! On an even MORE different note:
I just watched Sunset Boulevard with Gloria Swanson (1950) for the first time tonight. That movie is terrific. I love older films, but this tops all dramatic films I have seen. It ranks right up there with Citizen Kane, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, and The Children's Hour for sickening stomach wrenching drama.
They don't really make many movies like that any more.
The acting is so compelling, the sets and plot so simple, and yet they are some of the most powerful films. I know they aren't to everyone's taste, but there's something about the hopeless situation the characters find themselves in that makes you so sympathetic with them. The best movies are not about "good guys" and "bad guys". Some of the best movies have no fancy effects or fight scenes. They don't need them. All the extra stuff is just to hide things like a poor writer, an indecisive director, a stubborn producer, or simply a dig for money. I mean, yes, films are made to make money. It's not a charitable organization. However, you think maybe film companies could give the American audience a LITTLE more credit of intelligence. Sometimes I watch movies and somehow they remind me of McCain's choice of running mate: A gimmik for votes and popularity, and an insult to the assumed intelligence of the populace. I do not believe there is an average "Joe Blow".
ANYWAY. Sunset Boulevard is a wonderful movie. Wonderful. IF anyone was as truly powerful as Gloria Swanson today, they wouldn't know what to do with her. The style of movies has changed, but I hope the quality of talent hasn't. I just can't imagine Kirstin Dunst, Kiera Knightly, or Natalie Portman delivering a performance like that. Then again... there aren't any real chances for performances like that. You think about all the time in films spent racing down streets in fast cars, blowing things up, or having sex, or screaming pitching fits, or awkward longing looks, or slow-mo sequences with the actor's tears welling up in their eyes as they watch their dreams become dashed.
I would LOVE to see, for once, a modern film with no slow-mo, no heavy sex scenes, no racing, no blood and guts, no "cool" actors, and with a camera holding still for more than five seconds. A well put together movie and just pure literature in motion.
I guess what I really want is to make my own movie.
It will happen one day.
But that's me going on a ranting tirade (happens a lot).
Anyway, still in Idaho.
28 days left until take off.
My best to any readers... and anyone in general.
Hannah
A couple of things...
First of all, since I'm going to be in England for such a long time, I think I will open a local bank account. It will be useful, just around the corner, and fun. Don't ask me why I think bank accounts are fun. They just are.
I'm also going to buy a cheap old bicycle (if I can find one). I get the impression that Brighton, although cheaper than London to live in, is not, necessarily a cheap place. It seems to be the Myrtle Beach of England. Or the Malibu of England. A very popular, recreational ocean vacation spot. I guess it has been for quite some time.
In Pride and Prejudice, the youngest daughter Lydia goes to Brighton with Colonel Foster's wife, where Lydia meets up with Wickham, and runs away to London. In one part of the book, Kitty-- the second youngest-- says, "If I should go to Brighton, I would behave much better than Lydia." To which Mr. Bennett replies, "Brighton! I wouldn't trust you as near it as Eastborn. No, believe me, Kitty, I have learned my lesson and the rest of you shall pay for it. No man in uniform is ever to enter my house again, you are not to stir outdoors unless you can prove you've spent ten minutes of your day in a rational manner, and balls and dances are strictly prohibited, unless you stand up with one of your sisters!"
The quotes go something to that effect.
Jane Austen's books are my favorites. I could read them my whole life and not grow tired of them. Not my whole life nonstop, you know. Just off and on. Well, you get it.
On a different note:
Did you know that the fabric on couches and chairs that drapes over the headrests and arms of the furniture is called an antimacassar?
Well, they are.
Reason: Macassar oil was, apparently, the producer of a popular men's hair grease back in the Victorian era. To save the fabric on their furniture from ruin, the housewives made little doilies or coverings and pinned them to the chairs, protecting them from all the hair scum. Thus, antimacassars! The English language is a fascinating animal.
And ah! On an even MORE different note:
I just watched Sunset Boulevard with Gloria Swanson (1950) for the first time tonight. That movie is terrific. I love older films, but this tops all dramatic films I have seen. It ranks right up there with Citizen Kane, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, and The Children's Hour for sickening stomach wrenching drama.
They don't really make many movies like that any more.
The acting is so compelling, the sets and plot so simple, and yet they are some of the most powerful films. I know they aren't to everyone's taste, but there's something about the hopeless situation the characters find themselves in that makes you so sympathetic with them. The best movies are not about "good guys" and "bad guys". Some of the best movies have no fancy effects or fight scenes. They don't need them. All the extra stuff is just to hide things like a poor writer, an indecisive director, a stubborn producer, or simply a dig for money. I mean, yes, films are made to make money. It's not a charitable organization. However, you think maybe film companies could give the American audience a LITTLE more credit of intelligence. Sometimes I watch movies and somehow they remind me of McCain's choice of running mate: A gimmik for votes and popularity, and an insult to the assumed intelligence of the populace. I do not believe there is an average "Joe Blow".
ANYWAY. Sunset Boulevard is a wonderful movie. Wonderful. IF anyone was as truly powerful as Gloria Swanson today, they wouldn't know what to do with her. The style of movies has changed, but I hope the quality of talent hasn't. I just can't imagine Kirstin Dunst, Kiera Knightly, or Natalie Portman delivering a performance like that. Then again... there aren't any real chances for performances like that. You think about all the time in films spent racing down streets in fast cars, blowing things up, or having sex, or screaming pitching fits, or awkward longing looks, or slow-mo sequences with the actor's tears welling up in their eyes as they watch their dreams become dashed.
I would LOVE to see, for once, a modern film with no slow-mo, no heavy sex scenes, no racing, no blood and guts, no "cool" actors, and with a camera holding still for more than five seconds. A well put together movie and just pure literature in motion.
I guess what I really want is to make my own movie.
It will happen one day.
But that's me going on a ranting tirade (happens a lot).
Anyway, still in Idaho.
28 days left until take off.
My best to any readers... and anyone in general.
Hannah
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Getting Everything Ready... the SHOTS
When traveling to the U.K. or anywhere in Europe, it is highly recommended by health care professionals, the government, and me to get your Measles Mumps and Rubella shot (MMR), your HIV A and B shots, Meningitis, and any booster shots (such as tetanus, chicken pox, etc.)
The reasoning is thus: Although in the U.S. MMR has more or less been eliminated as a threat from our culture, there are still a profuse number of severe cases of MMR in Europe, Asia, and Africa each year. Since the U.K. is so closely linked to the European mainland, and the European mainland is so closely linked with Africa and Asia, outbreaks of MMR become more probable.
HIV A and B infections are also much more rampant in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and so the chance of exposure to these viruses is much higher than in the --more-- isolated United States. Just a note: the HIV A and B shots must be taken in a series. In the case of HIV B, the doses in the series must be at least 6 months apart. So, it's best to get started on your shots as soon as possible!
You want to get the Meningitis vaccine if you're going to college period. It likes crowds of people and tight living conditions. It likes to run rampant in dormitories, especially. It's very important to be vaccinated. Meningitis inflames the membranes around the spinal chord, and in the brain. Meningitis itself also has nasty side effects, and has a relatively high mortality rate compared with the other diseases if left untreated. And plus, who wants to be sick with an inflamed spinal chord when there's so much to see?!
The Tetanus and chicken pox vaccines are just a good "what if" measure.
Like I always say, better safe than sorry! Especially with one's health.
Well, all for now. Still in Idaho.
29 days to go!
The reasoning is thus: Although in the U.S. MMR has more or less been eliminated as a threat from our culture, there are still a profuse number of severe cases of MMR in Europe, Asia, and Africa each year. Since the U.K. is so closely linked to the European mainland, and the European mainland is so closely linked with Africa and Asia, outbreaks of MMR become more probable.
HIV A and B infections are also much more rampant in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and so the chance of exposure to these viruses is much higher than in the --more-- isolated United States. Just a note: the HIV A and B shots must be taken in a series. In the case of HIV B, the doses in the series must be at least 6 months apart. So, it's best to get started on your shots as soon as possible!
You want to get the Meningitis vaccine if you're going to college period. It likes crowds of people and tight living conditions. It likes to run rampant in dormitories, especially. It's very important to be vaccinated. Meningitis inflames the membranes around the spinal chord, and in the brain. Meningitis itself also has nasty side effects, and has a relatively high mortality rate compared with the other diseases if left untreated. And plus, who wants to be sick with an inflamed spinal chord when there's so much to see?!
The Tetanus and chicken pox vaccines are just a good "what if" measure.
Like I always say, better safe than sorry! Especially with one's health.
Well, all for now. Still in Idaho.
29 days to go!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Getting everything ready... The VISA
Well, the U.S. is still my base for now. The date for departure is September 10th-30 days from today- and it seems as if time has flown by since the beginning of the summer. There is still a lot to do until my plane takes off, such as receiving my Visa (all fingers crossed on this one).
One interesting thing I discovered about applying for a visa; you don't really need a middle man to accomplish all the paper work. When I was filling in my forms for my visa, at first I thought I would need some MAJOR help. But, after reading the laws about a million times and carefully going over them one by one, I discovered that the most difficult thing about the forms was reading the bureaucratic garbly-gook. However, after conquering that task, I can now break down the Tier 4 General Student Visa (adult) for study abroad for 6 months or more. This is the most complicated of the forms, but is necessary if you are planning to be in the U.K. for over six months. It is also the Student Visa that allows you to either work or volunteer for pay for a maximum of twenty hours per week. Other student visas do not allow you to do this.
When I applied, this visa had just incorporated a "points system" for eligebility, and understanding the visa at first was, and the memory of it still is, a nightmare. However, here are some helpful hints about applying for your visa:
1. Research how much money you need for you study abroad location and get the money into your bank AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Reason: You will see down at number 5.
2. DO NOT apply for your visa until you recieve your Visa Letter from the school with which you will be studying abroad.
Reason: Being an overly prepared person, I applied (before reading all the rules) three months before I received my Visa Letter. Visa applications expire in one month. This is the stickiest situation to be in. What if your Visa letter doesn't arrive in time?!
Since I applied RIGHT AFTER they changed the laws, there was a delay in my recieving my visa letter. However, since then, I'm sure they've caught up, so you probably have nothing to worry about. However, I encourage you to keep checking in with your study abroad provider, or your host institution about your Visa letter (better safe than sorry, right?)
Plus, there is a TON of information on your visa letter that is needed to complete the supplemental form to claim all of your points. The Visa letter from your host institution is worth 30 of the 40 points needed.
3. Apply online
Reason: It is very easy. You can pay online, and if they have the option, set up your biometrics appointment online. This kills two birds with one stone, so to speak.
4. You have two weeks after your biometrics have been done to send in all forms and applications to your visa processing center.
Reason: I have no idea. Kind of annoying, though.
5. Keep all your bank statements. And have patience.
Reason: You have to prove you have enough money for your studying as indicated on the forms. For more than six months, but less than nine months, you must have the equivalent of a monthly fee (listed in the supplemental Tier 4 Points System form) for however many months you will be living in England, plus any unpaid tuition fees. These monthly fees are different depending on your location of study. Studying in the "Inner London Burrows" requires more money that studying in the "Outer London Burrows" or other England locations. For anyone studying in the U.K. for nine months or MORE pays a flat room and board fee plus any tuition. The flat fees vary depending on location of study, the "Inner London Burrows" or the "Outer London Burrows".
According to the laws, there must be proof that the proper amount of money has remained in your account for at least 28 days, but you can not have a bank statement older than 28 days from the time you applied for you Visa. Fun no?
In other words, if you applied for your Visa in, say May 2009, you can not send in a bank statement, with the correct funds if the bank statement is dated from back in March.
To show you have had the correct amount of funds in your account, include two bank statements. One from the month previous, and one for the month you have applied (or relatively close). Unless you are applying before Ocotober of 2009, the 28 day minimum requirement must be met (two bank statements proving it), otherwise, you just need one bank statement to prove that you had the money when you applied for your Visa.
Don't you just love all of this?
So, basically, everything has to happen within one month of everything else, except for the Biomedics, which is two weeks.
6. Keep everything and make copies of EVERYTHING!
Reason: You never know when something may be lost. And having a copy as proof is a heck of a lot better than... well, not having it.
7. Oh, and you need a passport. Duh.
Reason: You just do.
For more information about your visa, go to: www.ukvisas.gov.uk
You can also e-mail me if you have any other questions. I can do the best I can.
One interesting thing I discovered about applying for a visa; you don't really need a middle man to accomplish all the paper work. When I was filling in my forms for my visa, at first I thought I would need some MAJOR help. But, after reading the laws about a million times and carefully going over them one by one, I discovered that the most difficult thing about the forms was reading the bureaucratic garbly-gook. However, after conquering that task, I can now break down the Tier 4 General Student Visa (adult) for study abroad for 6 months or more. This is the most complicated of the forms, but is necessary if you are planning to be in the U.K. for over six months. It is also the Student Visa that allows you to either work or volunteer for pay for a maximum of twenty hours per week. Other student visas do not allow you to do this.
When I applied, this visa had just incorporated a "points system" for eligebility, and understanding the visa at first was, and the memory of it still is, a nightmare. However, here are some helpful hints about applying for your visa:
1. Research how much money you need for you study abroad location and get the money into your bank AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Reason: You will see down at number 5.
2. DO NOT apply for your visa until you recieve your Visa Letter from the school with which you will be studying abroad.
Reason: Being an overly prepared person, I applied (before reading all the rules) three months before I received my Visa Letter. Visa applications expire in one month. This is the stickiest situation to be in. What if your Visa letter doesn't arrive in time?!
Since I applied RIGHT AFTER they changed the laws, there was a delay in my recieving my visa letter. However, since then, I'm sure they've caught up, so you probably have nothing to worry about. However, I encourage you to keep checking in with your study abroad provider, or your host institution about your Visa letter (better safe than sorry, right?)
Plus, there is a TON of information on your visa letter that is needed to complete the supplemental form to claim all of your points. The Visa letter from your host institution is worth 30 of the 40 points needed.
3. Apply online
Reason: It is very easy. You can pay online, and if they have the option, set up your biometrics appointment online. This kills two birds with one stone, so to speak.
4. You have two weeks after your biometrics have been done to send in all forms and applications to your visa processing center.
Reason: I have no idea. Kind of annoying, though.
5. Keep all your bank statements. And have patience.
Reason: You have to prove you have enough money for your studying as indicated on the forms. For more than six months, but less than nine months, you must have the equivalent of a monthly fee (listed in the supplemental Tier 4 Points System form) for however many months you will be living in England, plus any unpaid tuition fees. These monthly fees are different depending on your location of study. Studying in the "Inner London Burrows" requires more money that studying in the "Outer London Burrows" or other England locations. For anyone studying in the U.K. for nine months or MORE pays a flat room and board fee plus any tuition. The flat fees vary depending on location of study, the "Inner London Burrows" or the "Outer London Burrows".
According to the laws, there must be proof that the proper amount of money has remained in your account for at least 28 days, but you can not have a bank statement older than 28 days from the time you applied for you Visa. Fun no?
In other words, if you applied for your Visa in, say May 2009, you can not send in a bank statement, with the correct funds if the bank statement is dated from back in March.
To show you have had the correct amount of funds in your account, include two bank statements. One from the month previous, and one for the month you have applied (or relatively close). Unless you are applying before Ocotober of 2009, the 28 day minimum requirement must be met (two bank statements proving it), otherwise, you just need one bank statement to prove that you had the money when you applied for your Visa.
Don't you just love all of this?
So, basically, everything has to happen within one month of everything else, except for the Biomedics, which is two weeks.
6. Keep everything and make copies of EVERYTHING!
Reason: You never know when something may be lost. And having a copy as proof is a heck of a lot better than... well, not having it.
7. Oh, and you need a passport. Duh.
Reason: You just do.
For more information about your visa, go to: www.ukvisas.gov.uk
You can also e-mail me if you have any other questions. I can do the best I can.
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