Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once a Londoner, Always a Londoner Past Review

By (HISTORY., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/17/2013 to 06/07/2013 with

University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have made many international friends that I still speak to daily. I feel much more self-reliant and confident. I think that I would like to live abroad permanently. It was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There were two groceries stores within walking distance of my university apartment, and many student places to eat on the campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many opportunities to get involved in organisations at the university and to meet people who shared my interests.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any experiences with healthcare, and there were no health issues in the country.

* Safety:

I lived in a very safe part of the city, and was fairly comfortable walking around alone. I wouldn't recommend it at night though.

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)

London is one of the most expensive cities I have ever lived in. I had to ask home for a lot of extra money. For me, it was worth it. But if you plan to have a social life and travel, it really adds up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There are normal grocery stores and there are very expensive grocery stores, Waitrose tends to be very expensive and Tesco and Sainsbury's less so. Also, if you live in the city centre you can save loads of money by walking or taking the bus instead of the Underground. You see more that way as well.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • It gave me a good idea of what it would be like to live in London, which I had always wanted to do, without committing permanently yet.
  • Because I stayed for a whole year, I had the chance to develop good friendships and a relationship, and met many people by participating long-term in organisations at the university.
  • I was allowed complete independence, was not forced to hang out with people from Texas or report to professors from UT. I got to be really on my own and figure things out on my own.
* What could be improved?
  • I think the study abroad office could be a little more open about the budget. It is really difficult to live in London on what they describe.
  • Credit processing should begin after the first semester abroad, to save time.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how awesome it was going to be so I could have been even more exited.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'