Being a student is great in London! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The University system at King's is very different from Wellesley's in that one must really pace themselves throughout the semester with coursework. Additionally, each class (including first-year courses) in terms of structure were closest to that of an independent study at Wellesley. As a student you have the opportunity to guide your learning and you can focus on any aspect of the course you choose which can be really exciting or very daunting. I loved that aspect of the UK University system. I was also very pleased with how involved my professors were, with the exception of one, and that made the fact that my coursework grade was based on one exam or one portfolio a little less intimidating.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Denmark Hill, London (an hour south of central London). Most people don't go further south than Elephant and Castle. <br /><br /> Denmark Hill is not a good area. It was actually infamous for stabbings and muggings (nicknamed stab central) and was surrounded by three other high crime areas: Brixton, Peckham and East Dulwich. If you are going to King's College London, I would avoid King's College Hall (where I stayed). There were a lot of really good things about living there though. I really got to know the local university students because the dorm has a really tight-knit community and people were quite friendly and approachable. I feel like it would have had a much harder time making friends with King's students had I lived in a flat because that living set up is so isolated. Since the dorm also had mealtimes it made it easier to get to know people during mealtimes.

The food wasn't wonderful. It actually made me and many other residents sick but you always have the option to cook for yourself. The hall was very close to the local grocery store (sainsbury)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being a student is great in London! I went to the Royal Ballet for £5, saw the LSO for the same price, almost all of the museums were free... I could go on and on. http://www.timeout.com/london was a very useful website. Traveling between European countries was also relatively cheap. Easyjet and Ryanair were great. Know that if you are flying with Ryanair to bring only luggage that you can carry-on. It's not affordable if you check-in bags.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Avoid living in Denmark Hill (King's College Hall). Exercise your common sense. Sometimes it also helps to avoid speaking (in Denmark Hill) because you might attract some unwanted attention as an American. I also look West-African so it may be tied to that too. I'm not sure.

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

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students
• Local Students

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• Local Students