Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

UCL: a great opportunity for independence Past Review

By (Philosophy, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/20/2015 to 06/12/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying outside of an established program meant that I was on my own, more or less. While this was daunting at first, I appreciate how it forced me to step outside of my comfort zone. It was definitely worthwhile. I loved being a student in London, and felt very connected to the city.

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.

There was much less class time than I was used to, but more independent reading and work required. I found the smaller seminars to be more interesting and academically stimulating than the larger lectures.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had minimal interaction with the study abroad office at UCL, but they were accessible. UCL also supplied me with an individual tutor, which was helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

i lived in a dorm which was rather far from campus, but it was affordable, and a good opportunity to meet British students.

* Food:

I shopped and cooked for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with only British students, and most of my classes were almost entirely made up of British students, so I felt very integrated into the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The UCL doctor was very accessible, though I didn't really have need to see them.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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 an expensive city, but it's possible to budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a student travel card, shop at cheaper grocery stores (lidl), budget.

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • The city
  • Meeting locals
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-departure preparations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to worry so much about the transition from a smaller college to a large university; it really wasn't a dramatic change, and I was definitely well prepared.