For students who decide to spend their study abroad experience in Europe, it's very easy to get carried away with booking cheap flights to various destinations throughout the continent. From discount airlines such as Easyjet to Ryanair, there are no shortage of deals to be found. One small piece of advice is to make sure that you don't forget to explore the treasures that are right on your doorstep. Before your adventure abroad draws to a close, make sure you can at least check off a few of the following from your 'To-Do List'… England for example, has countless attractions just waiting to be explored! 

BY JACLYN HADJIPIERIS

TO-DO LIST:

• Indulged in a cream tea
• Sported a hat, fascinator or top and tails
• Wandered through a castle or stately home and pretended to be the proprietor
• Devoured a whole order of fish and chips
• Hopped on the top of a double-decker sightseeing bus and toured London
• Stayed overnight in a bed and breakfast just to try the Full English in the morning
• Visited a coastal town or village and enjoyed the stunning sea views
• Found yourself a pair of Wellington boots and tromped around the English countryside like a true Brit! 
• Spent time in a cathedral pondering how it was constructed so many years ago

 

NOTES: 

Indulge in a cream tea…

There are a variety of places where you can order a cream tea. From the famous and pricey Ritz Hotel to a thatched cottage in the countryside, you'll be sure to love this traditional snack of freshly baked scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream alongside a hot cup of tea.

Sport a hat, fascinator or top and tails…

You will definitely spot these glamorous accessories if you attend a wedding in England or attend Royal Ascot, the ultimate stage for the top racehorses from around the world. This is your chance to wear an outrageously brightly coloured hat with feathers and get away with it!

Wandered through a castle or stately home…

A few of my favourite castles and estates are as follows: Windsor Castle, Leeds Castle, Blenheim Palace, Warwick Castle, Chatsworth House.

Go online and research what breathtaking places like these can be found in your area.

Devour a whole order of fish and chips…

It may not be healthy but boy is it tasty! This popular take-away food consists of deep fried and battered fish along with deep friend French fries.

Hop on a double-decker bus and sightsee around London…

Chances are you are either studying in London or this city was one of the first stops on your trip. If you're not familiar with 'The Big Smoke', the sightseeing tour buses are a great way to make sure you haven't missed any of the must-sees in this city!

Stay over night in a bed and breakfast and try the Full English Breakfast…

I would recommend staying in a bed and breakfast over most hotels. Why stay in a Holiday Inn when you can stay in a quaint family home and be cooked an English breakfast which normally includes bacon, sausage, a fried egg, fried bread, baked beans, and a fried tomato.

Visit a coastal town or village and enjoy the stunning sea views…

If you're university is located in a bustling town or city, make sure you experience a sleepy coastal town or village where life slows down and the beauty of this little island is comes alive. Some of my favourite spots are: St. Ives in Cornwall, Whitstable in Kent

Wellington Boots…

These mud and waterproof boots are perfect for any type of weather that may arrive when out hiking around the English countryside. Some great places to stomp around are:

The Lake District, The New Forest, The Yorkshire Downs.

Cathedrals…

Take your pick from a few of these masterpieces: Canterbury, Southwark, Westminster, York Minster, Salisbury, St. Paul's.

Enjoy!

Jaclyn Hadjipieris is Assistant Dean of Student Activities at Richmond, The American International University in London, England

Photo copyright: Britainonview/Bedfordshire County Council/Simon Winnall