"So Soas, so amazing" Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academically the courses were very specific and challenging. There was no smarting with made up answers, you had to do the reading and do it well. Lectures are only an hour long, but full of information. Lecturers know the subjects very well and have typically written a book on the subject, have lived in their area of study etc. They are the expert in their field.

On-site administration of your program

If you are looking for a program that will hold your hand and help you in daily life this is not the program to go on. SOAS study abroad office will assist you pick classes, and help make sure things transfer but they will not help you adjust to the city. There was tea one night so we could meet other study abroad students, but you are essentially on your own.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dinwiddy Hall was conveniently located near Kings Cross, and about a twenty minute walk from the SOAS main campus. There are lots of buses and tube stops that leave near Dinwiddy as well. It is also close to chapel market and grocery stores for food shopping. The nightlife near dinwiddy typically involved taking a bus or walking a bit. But there are lots of pubs nearby as well. Dinwiddy is a typical first year hall, so I was able to meet lots of locals within my housing arrangement. SOAS has a very wide diversity of students coming from all around the world and that is seen in the student halls, my flatmates were all from different parts of the world ( Italy, China, Hong Kong, USA, Norway.) The rooms themselves are all singles while they share one common kitchen. The kitchen is not equipped, and you need all of your own equipment. The rooms have a bed, desk, dresser and small shelves. My housing was fine and comfortable except that my ceiling in the bathroom often leaked. Upon telling housing management about the issue it took a few tries to have anyone deal with it. It has left me with amusing stories though. Many students had their showers flood into the bedroom, but these issues were based on draining and seemed to get better.

Kitchens are available in the halls to make your own meals, markets and grocery stores are near by to purchase food items. SOAS Vernon square and main campus both have coffee shops with affordable yummy snacks, coffee and inexpensive to go lunch items. There is also a cafeteria, I never ate there though, but I did eat at the University of London Union restaurant and had delicious grille items for very inexpensive. The most notable is free lunch offered by Hare Krishna's outside main campus in Russel square, the meals are vegetarian and made from food that had yet to go bad but is past the sell by date and would be thrown out. The food is delicious, free and sustainable! (Google Hare Krishna SOAS for more information)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Towards the end of my stay I felt like I was heading towards the ability to become a Londoner.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Even in a large city, the only time I ever felt unsafe walking by myself was one morning walking to the train station at 5:30 am, when the strip clubs closed. I never worried about not getting home safely. If I did I would take a taxi and not the bus.

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

very expensive.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• classes
• location
• people

• program- be more inclusive and have things planned

The Outright Urbanite