Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Go to London. Now. Past Review

By (Psychology And Education, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/01/2014 to 06/07/2014 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going abroad was the single greatest experience I've ever had. It opened me up to being spontaneous and curious and adventurous. I learned that planning isn't everything. I also met some of the coolest and influential people, both in London and elsewhere. I learned the importance of travel and culture. In the end all of that exposure had a HUGE impact on many of my life philosophies and it's really been the best thing to ever happen to me. I can't stress it enough- GO ABROAD! (and go to London, its just the best)

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.

UCL is an amazing and challenging university. Between the prestigious libraries and museums as great resources and a motivated and engaged student body, academics at UCL are unbeatable. However, the educational experience at UCL is not the typical abroad experience (i.e., you actually have to work hard). Academically speaking, the classes were intriguing and informative, however you definitely need to work at UCL. Additionally, the courses they offer are interesting but because of their education system, it's pretty difficult to take classes that are not in your home department (although it's totally doable).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IFSA- Butler was helpful during orientation and the beginning for general academic and other logistical transitions, but as the semester went on they had little involvement in our experience. That being said, had I had any big issues I would have had no hesitation contacting them for assistance.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in James Lighthill House which was a 20 minute walk away from campus and right down the block from a major tube stop. I had a single in a 6 person suite with a common kitchen. I absolutely loved my accommodations.

* Food:

My friends and I tried to be frugal and cooked most of our meals, however, on campus dining options were great in a pinch. UCL is also located right by many major food areas so great food was never too far away.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

London is a big international city so it was very comfortable for all of us to ease into the local culture. It was absolutely amazing!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had strep 3 times while I was abroad. Getting seen by a doctor on campus was free and they were totally helpful when I did see them. However, the first time I had strep was over the weekend, when the health center was not open. I spoke to a pharmacist over the phone who directed me to a walk-in clinic and they were able to help me out. Additionally, when I needed a prescription the pharmacy was quick and cheap.

* Safety:

We were given a lot of warning about pickpockets and such, however, none of us ever had any issues. Obviously, living in a big city you have to be smart, but there was never a moment where I didn't feel safe in London. Additionally, London's public transportation is super safe and efficient, specifically the 24 hour/night buses which made nighttime safety a non-issue.

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 is definitely an expensive city. My friends and I tried to be smart by doing things like not going out to eat often and never taking cabs. That being said, nightlife in general can be expensive and groceries and such add up too.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Excluding things like travel costs, I probably spent around $100/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Public transportation in London is equally safe and efficient. There really is no reason to blow money on cabs. Also, I didn't do this but if you do open a British bank account you can get much cheaper cell phone plan options.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Meeting amazing people
  • Being in the city center
  • Being encouraged to explore
* What could be improved?
  • IFSA-Butler's orientation could have had more structured socializing time during orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? · Go to Carphone Warehouse on Tottenham Court Road to get your cell phone- unless you have a British bank account- get a top-up/pay as you go plan · British credit cards have chips in them. You can generally use your American credit card as a swipe card but not everyplace will accept it. Don’t freak out. Your debit card will work normally though. · Register with a General Practioner immediately. Healthcare is generally free so if you have any issues that’s where to go. If your GP is only open certain hours you can also go to Walk-In clinics but you have to pay if you’re not registered with a GP. There are also a lot of things that a Pharmacist (chemist) can take care of without a doctor if you’re ever in a pinch · Get a Student oyster card for the tube and bus- you get a certain discount. Additionally if you find yourself using your oyster card a lot you can get a monthly (just figure out if the cost makes sense for you) · In general there’s really no need to use cabs- the tube and buses are easy, clean and safe (including the night buses) but if you do need a cab, only use the black cabs, they’re the registered ones · Don’t bring a blow-dryer or iron- the voltage is different so its worth it to just buy them there but for everything else you can just use an adaptor/converter

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.