Learning to Swim Across the Pond Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This is highly variable depending on which courses you take. Some first year courses are relatively easy with just a little bit of reading to do and a simple essay or two. Others (particularly 3rd year science courses) can be mind-bendingly difficult with significant portions of assigned primary material to be familiar with and lectures which are two hours of information overload. The second year courses are somewhere in between. There are several resources available to students (library, counseling, etc.), though you generally have to be proactive about using them. UCL truly expects its students to meet them halfway when it comes to getting an education.

On-site administration of your program

The administration was rather laissez-faire with you so long as you attend your classes and turn things in on time. The affiliate faculty advisors were there to help guide us on class choices and any procedures we might not be familiar with, but otherwise left us to our own devices unless we specifically contacted them for help (which I didn't need to often). I noticed UCL tends to have a lot of bureaucratic red tape about certain things, and occasionally you'll get in the situation where you have a problem and everyone points to someone else as the person to deal with it. This didn't happen too often, but it was vexing when it did.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Finding housing was originally a living nightmare as UCL originally messed up and withdrew their "promised" offer of housing, meaning I had to spend two weeks learning and playing the London housing game before approached them again and got them to offer me dorm accomodations. As such, I lived in a small single dorm room with 18-19 year old first years who were just getting used to living by themselves for the first time. While there was a lot of fun to be had and interesting new people to meet, some things like cleanliness and noise levels were frequent problems. It didn't bother me as much after having lived through it myself before, but I could see others taking issue with it.

Food was comparatively expensive and not commensurately better. Fortunately, my housing included a meal plan, but you weren't paying for quality. There were a couple of fantastic restaurants I went to, but unless you're a good cook or well off money-wise, food won't be the highlight of your abroad experience.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Going from America to England, there really weren't too many major differences. There was still a lot of shared culture/history to use in a conversation, and people generally had similar values so common ground was never too far off.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care is one of the UK's strong points. I went to the doctor twice (once for flu medicine and the other for STI testing), and it was quick, easy, professional, and free. I walked out each time feeling envious.

I had no safety issues in London. I lived in Bloomsbury, which is a central and well-policed area. Even walked down the back streets of Soho at 3am never presented me with any issues other than the occasional boistrous drunk or seedy drug dealer peddling whatever. Maybe keep one earbud out while walking at night if you're concerned, but honestly I rarely feared for my safety.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Everything is more expensive in London -- from food to transportation to entertainment to basic services. I went there when the GBP was at a five year high against the USD, so that exacerbated things quite a bit.

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Host Family
• Hostel

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Other

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• A beautiful historic city overflowing with things to do and see
• People from just about any background and disposition imaginable
• A chance to rediscover yourself in a new place

• A better housing system and application process
• More diverse and less expensive food options by the university
• More guidance by the university while adjusting to a new learning system

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer