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I did my junior year abroad (JYA) in England. It was really fantastic and unbelievably rewarding. The British educational system was rather different than ours but was a great way to learn a huge amount and still have a lot of fun. Fraternities per se do not really exist in the UK but most universities have "Dining Clubs" which are very similar. The university experience is approached from a somewhat different angle and one is given a lot more independence in how to pursue your program. The Brits think our preoccupation with alcohol is bizare. Every university has several school run bars and one can have beer and wine with meals in dining hall. The "work hard - play hard" ethic is strong and the students seemed a little more focused but were also serious hell-raisers. Cost of living can be a little high if you are not careful, but the life style can be really habit forming. I got to go to Royal Ascot which was just like "My Fair Lady". I had to wear Morning Coat and a top hat and our group was entertained by some well connected Brits so we got to meet the movers and shakers. As I was a rower I went to the Regatta at Henly on Thames where we were entertained by the Leander Club and watched the events from the "Stewards Enclosure" through a steady stream of excellent champagne.
The academic side was tough and challanging but I have to admit it was really interesting and I enjoyed it completely. After I graduated I was stationed in Europe and managed to pick up an MA from my old JYA university on a part time basis.
As to relationships, don't blow the chance of a lifetime worrying about something that must stand or fall on its own merits. If the relationship is strong it will easily survive a mere five month distancing, if it is not able to survive such a short separation you are lucky to discover this now rather than when it could really hurt you.
Where are you going to be enrolled and what will you be studying? If not in UK will the lectures be in English, or are you sufficiently fluent in the local language to fully participate?
If I can answer any specific questions please email me or post. In any event, good luck and have the time of your life.
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