Past Review
By Nathan D (Applied Physics, Columbia University) for
University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My experience was not without pitfalls and times of stress, but going abroad was like starting college again: increased responsibility, having to adapt to new surroundings, new people, and the exciting chance to meet new people and have new opportunities. You have a chance to travel and see things many adults get to see their whole lives.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Teaching style was similar in lecture format. Workload was relatively light during the semester, but didn't really prepare you for the exams. The exam was 90% of the grade for every class, and it was a difficult transition to that system that does not curve grades either. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
UCL staff was readily available to help all students, including international study abroad students. This applied to health services, housing, and other general information. The library system was less straightforward to use than at Columbia's. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Langton Close Hostel. Everything was satisfactory. A staff in the dormitory working 8-6 M-Fr was very helpful and friendly in answering all questions and fixing maintenance problems. Cookware needed to be purchased for personal use. Linen pack could be purchased for 50 pounds, so it was cheaper to buy elsewhere. One problem with the dorm was that it was a 20 minute walk from campus. |
| * Food: |
Most types of food are available in the UK. Falafel was a good thing to eat for cheap anywhere in Europe. My favorite food was at Chapel Market- a Jamaican Jerk chicken stand with Rice and Peas (beans) and a drink for 4 pounds flat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were many clubs and societies at UCL which you could join and even go on field trips with, but nonetheless it was a little bit difficult to meet other non-study abroad students other than those that you could make friends with in your residence hall. Most Americans stayed together, and this wasn't only due to American snobbery. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
London is a very safe city, with multiple cameras on every block. National healthcare was provided and easy to use, although doctors were more likely to provide home remedies or over-the-counter drugs rather than prescribe any medication. I think this sentiment echoes the experience of many other students. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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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?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It was helpful for me to get a local bank account with Santander Bank which had a program for students and was located next to campus, and is the best bank for travelers in Europe. Living in the freshman dorm Ramsay Hall is a good choice because it is located conveniently close to campus and all the places to hang out and eat. It is also the same price as most other dorms but comes with meals at a dining hall included. Shopping for food is cheapest at Tesco and Sainsburys, and make sure it is the smaller ones that you shop at. Most lunches you should be able to get for as cheap as 3 pounds and dinner 5-6 pounds (it can be as much as you want of course). Explore the city in all directions walking as new centers and neighborhoods to explore are always around the corner. Getting involved playing basketball at a local outdoor court was the best thing I did to meet local people. Nightlife is disappointing, no matter where you are in the world. Cellphone plans should have unlimited texting for 10 pounds a month, dont accept any more expensive plans. If you end up with Orange as your mobile provider, go get half off (2 for 1) wednesdays at Pizza Express, a common pizza chain. Weekly Oyster passes for the tube are worth it to purchase to explore the city, especially when classes end early. |
