AMAZING London Experience despite COViD March 26, 2021

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

During the year in classes I would say the workload was easier or similar to what I was used to, the Final Exams and tests were more difficult because they were weighted so much greater than my typical Final Exams at my home university but overall I still got great grades but it definitely took some effort

On-site administration of your program

The study abroad team is so helpful and invested, with COVID its difficult because there weren't as many events as usual but overall they were great.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For a freshman dorm it was pretty good, I had great flat mates and they became some of my closest friends. I lived in Feilden and you get your own single bedroom and bathroom, it was comfortable and it was great to share a large kitchen.

The on campus food from the curve was very mediocre. Ground Cafe is the best place for studying + coffee + meeting up with friends.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integtrated, being one of the only Americans studying abroad forced me to become friends with only other students studying directly at QMUL and it was a great experience. QMUL is so close to central London and by the end of the semester you feel like a Londoner.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to quarantine abroad for two weeks due to travel restrictions and QMUL was so great about giving me weekly groceries and checking on me throughout. Also, deliveries from Tesco helped. I also got COVID abroad and the team at Queen Mary made sure I was healthy and constantly checked on me while I was isolating and they were very supportive. The only issue was that it was super difficult to get a COVID test from the government event when I knew I has been exposed which was very stressful and frustrating. I also was able to get a flu shot abroad easily through the QMUL student health services.

Security at Queen Mary is so great, whenever anyone walks in from Mile End road you have to flash your key card or pass so on campus feels super safe.

Overall such a great experience! I was one of very few students studying abroad in Fall 2020 and despite virtual classes, local restrictions, quarantines, and a lockdown, I would still do it all over again! I became very close with my flatmates and we were super social together and had so much fun. It was so great to be in London in a time where it was not as touristy as usual (so I could do all the tourist-y things with no crowds).

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

London is super expensive, definitely save up for food and personal expenses.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• International Students

• The people / students
• The location (London)
• The accomodation

• Activities In-Person

The Outright Urbanite