Roehampton University: A bit underwhelming, but still enlightening! Past Review
By Christian B (History, University of South Carolina - Columbia) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): London - The London Semester
Studying abroad really did open my eyes to the opportunities available through international education. I learned a lot about a completely different (yet comfortably similar) culture, whether it was negotiating an Asda shopping trip or understanding the legal differences between the UK and US. I gained a new perspective on the world around me and my own country. It also drove me to continue my internationally focused education by going to graduate school in Europe.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The differences were a bit stark--professors expected their students to be far more self reliant than systems here in the states. On the one hand, that was incredibly liberating, but on the other it was a bit overwhelming (at first). You definitely master time management in order to be successful, though. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Strengths: Made the process of registering for classes and such rather easy. I really had no complaints with how CIS ran the program. Weaknesses: Well, any weaknesses with the program really rest with the choice of school--Roehampton isn't the best place if you like a more urban environment. It's by no means a real weakness, though it is a matter of preference that future students should consider. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our dorms were rather conveniently located on campus at Roehampton. Unfortunately, that was still 30 minutes from the city center, but that could be dealt with rather easily (with proper preparation). Besides that, the housing was a bit spartan, but fine. |
| * Food: |
I basically bought my own food throughout the entire program. Meals weren't provided or anything, so the entire experience was rather self-sufficient. In terms of where to dine: It's London. You'll find something awesome, trust me. Avoid the restaurants in Soho if at all possible, since they tend to be a tad overpriced (not that this isn't a general occurrence throughout the city...but there are also a lot of tourists there. Which always means higher prices). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our program organized a trip to Stratford upon Avon, which was quite memorable, as well as a trip to Warwick castle (both were part of the same day trip). |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety in London is a concern just like in any other big city. But the police are obviously present there and the people are both nice and welcoming. Regardless, you should take the same precautions in London that you would take anywhere else. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you're looking for a horribly urban experience, I'd really choose Westminster over Roehampton. Roehampton is about 30 or 35 minutes from the city center, which is always a factor in sightseeing planning, or traveling in general. |
