Sarah is a Singaporean law student who spent her third year abroad at the University of Southampton in the South of England. She says "It was, without a doubt, the best year of my life to date. I found myself and my happiness, my independence really took flight and, most importantly, I had the opportunity to visit 14 countries and more than 70 cities!" Sarah has continued writing about her travels on her blog, The Travel Spotlight, and here is her insider guide to living in Southampton and making the most of its location to travel around the UK and Europe.

Thomas is studying French, German and Spanish and is spending his year abroad as an Erasmus student in Vigo, Spain. Here is his advice about accommodation, getting around town, the weather, eating out, the nightlife and the university in Vigo, for future year abroaders...

Clare is studying French and Italian at Warwick University and is spending her year abroad as an Erasmus student in Genoa, Italy. Here's her advice about finding somewhere to live, what to pack, getting around town, and the top ten things to do in Genoa ('Genova' in italiano).