UCL: a great opportunity for independence Past Review
By Eloisa C (Philosophy, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/20/2015 to 06/12/2015 with
University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
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
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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 |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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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? | 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. |