SOAS, A Way of Many to Experience A Great City February 25, 2026
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/30/2025 to 12/12/2025 with
SOAS, University of London: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned how to manage money, cook, navigate public transport, and travel on my own. It was extremely worth it, and I would not trade the experience for the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Several of my classes were thought-provoking had assignments which allowed me to explore new subjects, though I admit the hands-off approach of the British education system was one I was unable to adjust to. Professors were not as involved with their students, which was also something that did not sit properly with me, as it is a stark contrast from my home institution. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The study abroad office at SOAS is helpful and responsive, which is appreciated. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
While not the worst, several others and I in our building had difficulties with contacting facilities when issues arose in our flats, leaving us weeks on end with clogged drains. One drain in our kitchen was unfixed until the last week of our accommodation period, even when we had filed several requests across the entirety of our stay. The housing gains points for its location; I am so grateful to have experienced such a central part of London. |
| * Food: |
We were not provided food by the program, but I enjoyed exploring the cuisine in the area. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
While I am very grateful for London and the experience I had, I did not feel that my experience at SOAS itself was satisfactory, in part due to the courses I chose to take. I feel, in a way, the flaws of the program come from my own faults, but it did sully my experience as a whole. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take advantage of being abroad to explore new places and travel. I wish I traveled more, especially considering the pass-fail nature of the program I attended. |
