I recommend KCL and London as a study abroad option. February 03, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes require lots of reading, but the course grades are only based on the final essay, so you could get good grades by focusing on reading books and writing the final papers and not having to go to class at all during the semester (not recommended because you would be wasting money and miss out on making connections, but many people do this anyway). The actual final essay is more difficult than a US uni's final essay because it is 100% of the grade as well as KCL expects you to read many many books to write the essay. There are resources and office hours for you if you reach out.

On-site administration of your program

Arcadia is really good with Americans who have little to no abroad experience. Their orientation program was very detailed, and they are fairly responsive with emails. I didn't feel very well-supported as an international student (in the US) as I don't feel that they understood how time-consuming and tiring getting a visa could be, but they try, and they are very nice people. Arcadia also offers free tours for the program, which was nice. I really really enjoyed the service of the insurance company that Arcadia chose for us.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I live in an older KCL dorm. It's not pretty, but it's very affordable compared to other student housing options, and it is quite central. UK dorms are more private than US dorms (at least private sink, single room), so I liked my room.

There is no dining hall or mandatory meal plan. Lots of flexibility with cooking or eating out.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not having to learn another language makes it easy. Everyone was friendly. Making friends were a little bit difficult only because KCL is very big and has few areas to socialize, and no actual campus culture because people come to campus only for lectures.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care was accessible, both physical and mental support. All of my health checkups were free, and I could've gone to counseling 5 times for free. Much better than the US.

I felt quite safe since the area where I live is always busy. The biggest threat that commonly happens is probably theft on the street. I know of 1 violent event that happened while I was there for the semester. There are lots of peaceful protests in London though.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Expensive, but it's still cheaper than staying on campus and eating with the meal plan at Brandeis.

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Health insurance
• Excursions and trips

• Accounting for the fact that international students may/should get their documents earlier to apply for visa, or plan for a backup orientation program for those who can't make it on time due to visa application wait.