Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London: Infinite opportunities, finite supplies of money and time. Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Trinity University) - abroad from 01/02/2012 to 05/23/2012 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Lust for life. There's so much amazing stuff out there on Earth, being in London made me want to get out and live it. 100% worthwhile, if only to get out of the tiny Trinity bubble for half a year. And of course, take advantage of the collegiate financial net while living in another country.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

A difficult, engaging, and rewarding 5 months, my time at University College London was an academic experience similar in difficulty to Trinity University, but much different in its emphasis on independent study. My only real critique is that the Library has very few places to sit when finals come around, other than that it was extraordinary.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The UCL registration process was rough, combining the worst of confusing online registration and the hassle of shuffling from department to department to get papers signed. From there, it was fine.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at Astor College, a dorm style, cook-your-own-food building. Small room with a sink, several kitchens and a shared bathroom, but in the heart of Central London. I could walk pretty much anywhere North of the river.

* Food:

Made my own, and I'm the best.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Like many study abroad students, I fell into the tendency of hanging out with other Americans. That being said, I felt that I understood the culture pretty well, integrating myself in school and in the city. Like NYC, but easier to live in and everyone isn't as mean.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Free English health care. I got minor pneumonia and they helped me out.

* Safety:

London feels very safe. Like any big city, you have to be aware of your surroundings, but I came home at all hours of the night and not once was I hassled.

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)

London's tough, but if you cook the majority of your own meals and don't spend all your cash in pubs, it's totally doable. Most museums are free, the Tube is fairly cheap and if you take advantage of your feet, you can walk most places.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food 50 pounds, Beer 20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own meals. You can drink on the street legally, so have a road beer on the way to the pub to save some cash. Walk Everywhere. This is London specific advice. But cook your own food is not.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living in London
  • Educational Experience
  • Indian Food
* What could be improved?
  • Cheaper Housing
  • Cost was
  • 120 pounds a week.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you're feeling bummed out, don't hole up in your room. Get out, walk around and experience what's going on. Meet more locals.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!