Exciting London Livin' (It Up) Past Review
By Avalon G (Radio Television Film, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/18/2013 to 12/13/2013 with
University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned that I really want to continue living abroad after I finish school. It was very worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It all depends on your learning style and what topic you are taking your classes in. I took History classes to complete a minor and really enjoyed doing the research and writing the 2 essays per class of 2500 words. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very helpful and quickly respond to emails and issues. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in student housing in Anne Stephenson House which is located in the Ifor Evans complex. I loved it. Our housing was flat (apartment) style, cheap and very spacious. I fit 37 people in there for thanksgiving. My housing was a 30-45 minute walk from campus which I did everyday. Not only did I lose weight, but it was a really great time to just observe London's hustle and bustle while listening to music. I made so many friends that I didn't have a lot of alone time so I really appreciated my morning walk to school. One of my flat mates did take the bus every day though and I know it comes every 15 minutes, sometimes faster, and she rarely had a delay unless there was a wreck blocking it's path. It also stops directly outside of the complex. |
| * Food: |
I grocery shopped and cooked my food, because my flat had a big kitchen. I was lucky because my flatmates all had cooking utensils that they were willing to share, because they planned on staying for a while. However, I did eat out a lot in the evenings and it wasn't too expensive. London generally is expensive, but if you are good at budgeting you will be fine. Also Camden has an amazing and cheap food market that is fun to go to and explore! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated. I made a lot of friends and plan on going back to London this summer to visit them. I became very savvy with transportation. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had an experience, but my one of my flatmates was very sick and she was able to go to the doctor and get treated within a morning. I do know however the first week it takes a while to sign up for healthcare because all the students are doing it. |
| * Safety: |
I always felt safe on campus and in London. Most everything is well lit and busy. |
| 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) |
London is expensive, but I was able to do it on about 250 a week. Sometimes more sometimes less. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | London is expensive, but I was able to do it on about 250 a week. Sometimes more sometimes less. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | 1. Get a student oyster card or a regular oyster card 2. Go to the union for lunch, sandwiches and salads are so cheap and you can sit and have a coffee/drink with friends 3. Walk as much as you can, London may seem intimidating at first, but once you realize the layout it's very easy to navigate and you will be surprised how walkable the city is and how little you need to rely on public transport. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | Check the date on your visa, especially if you have a Tier 4 General visa that allows you to work. If you are planning on travelling before your visa starts, make sure the immigration officer doesn’t accidentally not endorse or cancel your visa |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
