SOAS is very different than Barnard College Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I originally decided upon a study abroad experience at SOAS because I wanted a program that would be academically demanding and that would most strongly supplement my studies at Barnard. My academic experience at SOAS was nowhere near as demanding as at Barnard (I was required to write eight 12-14 page research papers over the course of about five months) and I found the grading to be pretty easy. The academic system seemed to more closely mirror the graduate school system of the U.S. with a strong focus on independent research and little step-by-step guidance (none of the papers required thesis topics or drafts to be submitted earlier- in fact, many lecturers didn't seem to read drafts). Some people may view this as a negative, but I appreciated the push for independent thinking and time management. The weekly tutorials held in some courses were a great opportunity to have more direct interaction with the lecturers (most of whom were very responsive to office visits, etc. anyway), but were often loosely structured and centered around student presentations that I was usually exempted from as a half-year student. Overall, I'd say the strongest aspects of my academic experience at SOAS were the opportunities for interaction with the lecturers and the assessment methods (keep in mind that in many courses, however, you will be assessed almost solely on the basis of exams), while the weakest aspects were the easy grading and the lack of discussion in most courses.

On-site administration of your program

The study abroad coordinators at SOAS were very helpful in that they made themselves known to the students from well before our arrival at SOAS, sending us a number of e-mails with useful information and urging us to get in contact with them for any reason. They coordinated a helpful orientation and also set up a number of more informal get-togethers for all of the study abroad students throughout our time there. Most importantly, they were readily available throughout our stay and always recognized us around campus, checking in often to see how we were coping.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Dinwiddy House, the dormitory associated with SOAS and occupied mainly by full-time undergraduate students. Living in Dinwiddy was an invaluable part of my study abroad experience, as my flatmates were the full-time students (both British and international) with whom I became best acquainted. The dorm is divided into different blocks but they are all connected and enclose a nice courtyard which facilitates a community feel. Dinwiddy is located about a 20-minute walk from the main SOAS campus, (which may sound long but is actually very easy as it is through a nice area and the majority of other students are making the same trek) and about 2 minutes up the road from King's Cross station, which is very convenient for traveling. The immediate area around Dinwiddy is not the best in terms of food, shopping, etc. (although there is a grocery store, some bars and cheap restaurants) but the neighborhood of Angel is only 5-7 minutes away by foot and has plenty to do. In the other direction, the city center is a couple stops away on the Tube or about 30 minutes by foot. Compared to the housing of many of my friends who were enrolled at other schools in London, Dinwiddy has a great location. The rooms themselves are clean and comfortable (and seemed spacious to me, although I am used to a cramped dorm in Manhattan). You have your own bathroom (which is great except for the less-than-luxurious shower), but share a kitchen with your flatmates-use it a lot! Cooking in your flat is a great way to get to know everyone living there. Although the kitchen doesn't come stocked with cookware, only buy the basics at first- chances are your flatmates are full-time students who will have brought almost everything with them and won't care if you use their stuff. If you do live in Dinwiddy, however, you will need sheets, pillow, towels, comforter, etc. All can be bought cheaply in Angel at the Marks and Spencer and at one of the pound stores.

As I mostly cooked for myself, I had no trouble tailoring my dining experience to my needs. A number of grocery stores (Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Waitrose) are located near Dinwiddy and near the SOAS campus. The flats in Dinwiddy have microwaves, ovens, stovetops, refrigerators and a freezer so cooking shouldn't be an issue. I found the price of food to be really reasonable (again, compared to Manhattan prices) and I ended up spending way less on food than I would have at Barnard. I did eat out somewhat regularly (a few times a week) and found a number of really reasonable places to eat. Ask around- almost every SOAS student will have some suggestions. For a sandwich or salad between classes, try Pret a Manger or the Tesco Express near campus- you can get a great lunch for well under 5 pounds.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

(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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• International Students
• Local Students

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• Local Students