London could have been better... Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The three hour lectures once a week were odd to get used to, as was the sheer number of pages required weekly - in some ways, it was more interesting, but in others it was more challenging because I had to keep track of the plots of two entire novels and several poems for three different courses. It also lead to having to set a very strict reading and writing schedule for myself, and in certain weeks led to more stress than I was used to as I scrambled to get everything done, and there were a few weeks when I didn't manage to finish everything I needed to do. The grading system was scaled differently than in the US (60-69 was considered an A, and 70+ was exceptional work and as a result rather hard to achieve). With the mid-term assignment that I had to turn in for each course, the essays were returned within two weeks; however, waiting on final marks, the overall marks for each course, is proving to be a rather frustrating experience - my deadline for the final essays was in early May, and by the look of things, I will not be receiving my marks until the end of July, leading to a nearly 3 month period of slight anxiety with waiting to see if I did well or not.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Proximity to academic buildings was excellent, as was security, since the campus was walled in and the gates were closed at 11 every evening. A student ID or room key was required to gain entry to campus, unless it was emergency services, which made the campus feel very secure. The campus itself was gorgeous - very green, very well-kept. Downsides: There was not very much provided by the university - everything had to either brought from home, or bought at the local stores and transported back to campus (the nearest superstore was a 30 minute bus-ride away). Nightlife was about a 30 minute bus ride away, leading to many students staying on campus to enjoy themselves and leading to noise issues at 3 AM when they would return to their dorms loudly and obnoxiously.

Come armed with knowledge of how to cook some simple meals (pasta, perhaps chicken or burgers) - there are cafes on campus, but they only sold sandwiches, snack food, and coffee/tea, and that option gets expensive before too long. No dining hall is available.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although it was a bit of journey to get into London, it wasn't prohibitive, considering the sheer number of museums that were free to enter, as well as fairs and markets to visit and explore as well. For the most part, other events in London were not particularly expensive, which can lead to very eventful days if you are out and about. The University didn't seem very big on funding non-academic programs - those were funded mostly by the students who were willing to pay to go, as well as pay for food and drink where that was necessary (a bit obnoxious if you shell out $80 and don't have a good time). CIS did include two daytrips in the costs for the semester; one to Cambridge, and another to Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon. The trip to Cambridge was excellent - there was a lot to see and admire; the trip to Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon was not nearly as enjoyable due to the guide appearing to be uninterested in her job that day, and being insulting to some of the actors/cast members at Warwick Castle, which was a turn-off. However, with a different guide, the trip would likely have been more fun.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not require healthcare while I was abroad, but the university was right down the street from a hospital. Consultations at that particular hospital were free, and the staff was reasonably helpful, from the reports of other international students I lived with. There were no required vaccines for the UK other than those required in the US. No major health concerns cropped up during my stay there. In terms of safety, campus security was fairly good, although I didn't have very many dealings with them. In terms of advice for future students, be alert of what's going on around you, be aware of the emergency number (999), and do not travel alone after dark - essentially don't do anything you wouldn't do in the US in the UK.

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

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• International Students
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