One Junior's Travels into a British World Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The set-up of the classes in general, a 1-hour lecture followed by 1-hour seminar and only once a week per class, made it hard to keep up with the massive workload of homework each week. I would read the appropriate readings, sometimes not understand them, and have to wait for class the next week only to not have the readings explained in any manner. The discussions were decent, however, which garners the three stars.

On-site administration of your program

I never met anyone higher than my professors, but the Study Abroad office was very helpful. They offered a caring ear and helpful advice whenever needed. Every week or so, they would send out a mass email to the study abroad students about different events on campus, across London, and just events in general. The trips they offered, like a trip to the BBC radio company, an afternoon tea outing, and others were extremely fun and made me feel at home in London sooner rather than later.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The water pressure in my shower was very low and, therefore, not very effective in washing my hair properly. The cleaning staff at Pooley House seemed to boycott our flat (47) in the middle of the semester for whatever reason, leaving the shower drains and sinks extremely messy. I wasn't a fan of the echoing hallway and paper-thin walls, but I suppose that is what college housing is supposed to be like.

The food I cooked was fine, and the food on campus was all right. Expensive, but it tasted fine.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At first I felt very separate from London and its culture, but in about a month I felt like everyone else. I knew exactly how to get places on the Tube, where to go when I needed specific things, and so much more. However, I feel like that was a product of just getting out there and exploring for myself rather than relying on Queen Mary to assist me. You'd be surprised at how much you discover just walking from place to place.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick twice in the semester and both times professors told me to go to the on-campus doctor. However, I was told by Study Abroad that, as a one-semester associate, I wasn't allowed to register with a doctor. Thus, I didn't really know what I was allowed to do in the situation. Instead, I ran to a local Sainsbury's and picked up cold medicine. The only complaint I have is that they didn't have medicine for sinuses anywhere around Queen Mary, so I had to use a nasal spray to clear my sinuses.

There were always security guards on campus at all hours of the night, and there are gates at various entrances to Queen Mary's campus. The only advice I'd have for security outside the campus is stay in a group. Traveling alone might sound fun, but don't do it at night in the interest of safety. If you're using the Tube to get home alone after dark, make sure you get in a car with people in it. Never get in an empty Tube car.

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

In the beginning I didn't budget at all, which was poor planning on my part. Towards the end I could barely live on a 100 pounds/week budget because of how expensive London is in general. Add to that the outrageous exchange rate from American dollars to British pounds and you're paying almost double for everything. It isn't easy to live on a student's budget in London, and everyone knows this.

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Hotel
• Hostel

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The traveling
• The friends
• The food

• The cost
• The process of choosing who to live with

The Academic or Linguist