London is a fantastic city to study, just not at Roehampton University Past Review
By Statia G (BUS-Real Estate & Urban Land Development, Virginia Commonwealth University) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): London - The London Semester
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile, and I grew so much as a person. Academically, I would not say it was worthwhile, as the majority of my classes will not transfer. I would definitely do it again in a second, and I plan to go back to London after I graduate this May!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Roehampton was very poor when it came to academics. I had previously applied for classes that would have transferred back to VCU; but when I arrived at the university, I was placed into random courses that would only transfer back as electives. This same problem happened with my other American friends. I tried to get placement into the courses I needed, but the staff refused. The professors were extremely unhelpful, and intolerant of the fact that I was not familiar with British culture. I felt very judged by the staff when I asked questions about things I did not understand, and when I asked for help, I was told to figure it out on my own. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The accessibility/support services at Roehampton were awful, I had to send at least 3 emails or visit more than one time to any given department to get anything done. The international program was helpful for the first week, but then disappeared off the face of the earth afterwards. All of my teachers and staff members were rude about me being American, and were filled with American stereotypes. My expectations at this university were definitely not met for the ridiculously large amount of money I spent for this program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was fine; as acceptable as any American University dorm room. I was told by CIS that I would receive a good amount of things to get started; all I got was sheets. I didn't even get towels, a pillowcase, or things to use in the kitchen. I probably spent a good $250 on supplies for my dorm room alone |
| * Food: |
CIS failed to inform me that Roehampton does not have any on campus dining or even a dining plan. I ended up buying my own food and cooking for myself, but it was an additional unexpected expense. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I am in love with London, and I loved living there, however I did not love Roehampton. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had any safety issues, but Roehampton had faulty fire alarms that were never fixed, and I did have a friend who had a camera stolen in central London. |
| 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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would say YES definitely study in London, you will LOVE it. BUT, before you choose Roehampton, take a look at some other programs; I guarantee they will be better. |
