Go to London, study at UCL Past Review
By Elena M (English and Mathematics, Tufts University) for
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in London
Go to London!! I had the most wonderful year at UCL. I didn't want to leave London, UCL, or the Dance Soc. I have plans to go back as soon as I am able, hopefully to study there- if not for a holiday. Academically, I was pushed to try different things, to consider different perspectives, to write differently, to incorporate sources and ideas I otherwise would not have. Not only was I pushed to do these things, I was inspired to do so. It was challenging but rewarding. The Dance Soc was great- join a student organization at your uni. it will help you meet people and break up the school work! London is a wonderful city. The social dancing (lindy hop and salsa) were of the greatest caliber I have seen and tons of fun! the swing/lindy community was very accepting and inclusive. The food is great! yes, even the pub food. Go see a show. Go to the free museums. just go to London, you'll fall in love.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
UCL is currently ranked as the fourth best university in the world for the second year running- this is also the second year that it is ranking about Oxford in the world league tables. My English classes were lead by published authors, often lecturing on the very things they had published. This was highly motivational and incredibly informing. Classes are difficult. They last for an entire academic year. English classes are evaluated by two papers and a final exam. You meet one on one with your tutor the day after you turn in your paper to discuss your paper. This discourse is terrifying but incredibly eye opening. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Simon and Jaki were wonderful! Professionally, nothing went unanswered. Personally, they were a pleasure to speak with. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was living with a bunch of freshers in halls. Not all that exciting. But it was a place to live in central London right near uni. |
| * Food: |
Food in London is good!!! The international fare is brilliant. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
go to London. It's wonderful. There is a magic about the city that I haven't found in any other city (and I traveled around a lot while I was there) Take advantage of the food, of the museums, of the shows and musicals, of the shopping, of the people. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
NHS is great! Central London is also quite safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
Finances
|
* 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | flash your student card for discounts. Find the little cafes that have cheap but yummy food. go grocery shopping. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
