Direct enrollment at Queen Mary University in London is awesome! Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., University of Rochester) for

IES Abroad: London Direct Enrollment - Queen Mary

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I was able to experience a different culture, meet new people, and have fun.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The coursework was much less intense than the work at UR, but the academics at Queen Mary were still very good.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was a direct enrollment student, so I didn't have as much contact with the IES advisor once I arrived. However, I felt that I could always contact my advisor for any help and that she was effective.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The on-campus flats at Queen Mary are fairly new and spacious. You need to buy cookware, but IES supplied us with bedding. Sometimes the dorm would get really cold.

* Food:

I cooked, and there was a store close by to buy groceries. There were also a few places on campus at which you could eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Queen Mary hosts many parties/outings for the university students. Also, London is a great city to travel around in and from which to travel to the rest of Europe.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The university was very safe, and I felt that London was very safe for a big city. The healthcare system is easily accessible as well.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 35 pounds, mainly for groceries.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a student travel card for public transportation.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

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  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do it! I am a science student, and I was able to go abroad and take some of my science classes. I still had plenty of time to see London, travel and have a great time.