The London Experience of a Lifetime March 30, 2021

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found my academic experience at QMUL to be about as rigorous as my home university, but less intense due to the differing format of the courses. While this is a general statement that applies to different degrees within the 8 modules I took at QMUL, I found that I had more independent reading to do than I did at home, which was counteracted by less assignments to complete in my QMUL courses. I was accustomed to turning in items every week for some classes at my home university, whereas a paper and one or two exams seemed to be the norm for the modules I took at QMUL. My time commitment towards my studies was about the same, but I found myself less stressed within QMUL's environment. The resources provided through the library and its academic databases allowed me to complete all of the research I needed for my exams and assignments with no issues.

On-site administration of your program

There were multiple orientations put on for Associate students, and events put on by the Global Opportunities office to integrate foreign exchange students. I found the office helpful whenever I had questions regarding the process for registering for modules. On top of this, I will forever be grateful for how well they handled the Covid-19 pandemic shutting down in-person lectures and home universities recalling their students. It was an incredibly difficult time for myself and other associates, as we were dealing with the pain of having to go home early and the uncertainty of what would become of our modules. I remember receiving several emails about how they would work to ensure that we could finish our modules online from wherever we were and how they would work to with our home universities to help ensure that our credits would be able to still count. This helped ease my mind significantly, and thanks to the accommodation of QMUL and the Global Opportunities Office, I was able to finish the spring 2020 term from over 5,000 miles away.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Varey House on campus and I loved the proximity to my lecture buildings and the view of the canal from my kitchen. I also appreciated having my own private room with a sink in it, which would be something highly unusual in the United States, or at the very least something I would have had to pay significantly more for than I did at QMUL. Despite not being able to chose my flatmates, I felt that we were matched well and all got along throughout our time together. My only knock is that we had several issues with various appliances, including our refrigerator, toilets, and shower. However, I will say that each time we made a report the issue was fixed promptly and effectively.

I did not have a meal plan, nor did I ever eat at the Curve, but I enjoyed the grocery options and the dining options in the area surrounding campus.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was never a time where I did not feel at home in London and in the UK. I made a goal before I embarked to focus my attention on making friends amongst the permanent students at QMUL, which I would highly recommend as I created a network of friends from across the UK and Europe that I am still in contact with today. One of the reasons I chose to study at QMUL is its proximity to football club Arsenal FC, and attending matches with people I met through QMUL and going to pubs to watch matches with my friends was one of the biggest ways I felt connected to the local community.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I injured my knee playing football and found booking an appointment with a GP through QMUL highly convenient. I tried to book an appointment on a Wednesday and was able to make one for the following Monday directly on campus, which was incredibly useful as my mobility was poor at the time.

I had read on various study abroad review sites prior to entering the program that Mile End could be a bit of a "tough neighborhood." These reviews were contrary to my experience, as I felt the area was highly safe and I never had any issues, despite walking by myself late at night several times per week. Campus security was excellent and I felt that the campus was more secure than any I have been on in the United States.

I do not think I could have chosen a better university than QMUL. It was unique it was both in London and concentrated in one area, thus giving it a true "university campus" feel. It is central enough to experience everything London has to offer at reasonable prices.

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

I found it surprisingly affordable to live in London on a students budget. I mostly prepared meals for myself after shopping at the local Co-op and Lidl, and was averaging less than 30 pounds per week on groceries. I also exclusively used the London Underground for transportation, which has very reasonable rates when using a prepaid Oyster card.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Location
• Associate student resources
• Integration into the QMUL community

• Variety of on-campus dining options
• Housing maintenance
• Noise levels on campus at night

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer