Lauren

 I've always wanted to study abroad to see what it's like living and studying in a different country than the one I've grown up in. I ultimately chose the United Kingdom because of its active theatre community, as well as the courses that were applicable to my public health major.

 I would wake up and go to class. After class, I would study a bit with friends at a nearby coffee shop, then go wander around the stores on high street. Almost every week, in the late afternoon, I would get on a train to London to go then shadow a West End stage management team. After that show, I would take the train back to Oxford and go to bed.

 I was able to really identify what my priorities were in terms of my career and my own goals, and realize what it's like to be truly "independent" -- I had no support system at all in the United Kingdom, so finding out almost everything from scratch was a great experience for me and cemented my identities.

 The fantastic friends I made there, all of whom I wouldn't have met if I didn't study abroad since we're all from such different parts of the world. These friends are the ones who helped me really cement in my mind who I was as both a student and a person.

 COVID-19 was definitely a big concern, especially considering myself and almost everyone on my floor contracted COVID and had to isolate for a few days. I learned how to entertain myself in a 10x10 dorm room very quickly.

 Be prepared to advocate for yourself.