UCL, Thanks for everything. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The UK system in general, is very different from the education system in the US. That being said, I think it was an adjustment because there are generally less academic support resources available. There is the lecturer, a tutor (or TA) or each class, and that's about it. The academics at UCL were very rigorous (especially since I was in the Economics department) and more importantly, self driven. There was much less class time and much more self preparation expected of students.

On-site administration of your program

I thought that IFSA did a great job providing support during the being, giving a great orientation, and also helping us through the initial couple of days of UCL. I regret that I did not take more advantage of their events throughout the semester, but they did hold many events that many of my friends on the program enjoyed very much.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was living in a UCL residence hall in North London, in a neighborhood called Camden. While I loved living in Camden, (it's a really cool and edgy part of London), I regret that I did not opt for self-catered housing. My Hall was in a cluster of UCL dorms in Camden, and if I were in the next Hall over, that was self catered, I would have enjoyed that much more. Being on the meal plan over there is much more stringent than it is at Brandeis. There is set meal time and if you have class or cannot make it back to Camden in time, or cannot wake up in time for breakfast, then you're on your own. Not to mention the food was not all that great. So benefits of choosing self-catered instead of catered housing: you can cook for yourself, whenever you want, on your schedule, and you choose how tasty it will be. That being said, I really loved the social nature of the Halls. I immediately met so many British students through my Halls and also other international students from all over the EU! Many of my friends on the IFSA program opted for the IFSA housing. While the actual rooms may be nicer, they were only around each other all the time. They had very little opportunity to meet British students and only hung out with the Americans in that building. Living in UCL housing was definitely the right choice.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How integrated you are is definitely up to you. For me, I decided to play Ultimate Frisbee while I was at UCL and immediately I felt immersed in the social and cultural world of not only London but the specific culture and social nature of UCL. Many of the other students on the IFSA program just hung out with other Americans on the program and did not make much of an effort to meet British students by joining anything. While it may be scary or intimidating at first, the experience is much more worth while if you just put yourself out there and join a club or society.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I think London, overall is pretty safe. You just have to be smart and aware of your surroundings. Never travel alone somewhere you're unfamiliar with at night.

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

London is very very VERY expensive and will not be cheap.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Making new (British!) friends
• Exploring London
• Getting the "city school" experience vs. college campus

• improved correspondence (lots of fragmented communication)
• food!

The Outright Urbanite