Academically Challenging London Past Review
By Julie B (Anthropology., Wellesley College) for
University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Definitely worthwhile,
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. |
In the last month of so of the term, my workload was extremely large. There were multiple intense research papers due for every class which could not be started until a substantial time had been spent in each class. In my experience it was the toughest and longest finals period in my time at college. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Overall, my experience with housing was positive. My hall happened to be on the same street as my department, and was a 2 minute walk from the main UCL campus. My hall was very quiet though, and was not an easy place to meet people or make friends in the beginning. I had a single room in a self-catered dorm, and only shared a bathroom with one other person. I shared the kitchen with 7 other people, but the kitchen was large enough that everyone had enough space. I decided it would be easier if I bought most of my household items once I got there, so I bought all my kitchen appliances and lamps, etc. for my room once I got there (and gave them to my housemates when I left) |
| * Food: |
I would definitely recommend self-catered dorms. From what other students told me the catered dorms have short hours, only provide breakfast and dinner, and have food that isn't always the most appetizing. I loved being able to cook for myself and make meals according to my timescale, and the grocery stores weren't too far away. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was not part of a study abroad program so did not have field trips that were arranged. I made my own travel plans, and spent reading week traveling in Ireland and Scotland with friends I made in London, and travelled down to the coast to stay with the family of a girl who lived in my hall. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
As I was not on a program, it was very difficult to figure out the health system and where to go if I needed a doctor or medical care which was frustrating. For safety, the term I was in London was a bit difficult as there was much awareness to terrorist attacks that were going to supposedly take place in Europe targeted at Americans. Wellesley sent me e-mails providing awareness and suggestions on how to stay safe. Nothing happened and everything was fine. Apart from that, as with any large city London has its fair share of problems with pick-pocketing and other small acts. Being smart and watching your belongings and being aware of your surroundings are key, but that should be the case when in any large city. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about 40 pounds on groceries every week (as I was in a self-catered dorm), and 30 pounds on personal expenses. London is an extremely expensive city to live in, especially with the currency conversion. Going out of the weekends is expensive, so most students go out on the weeknights as clubs offer students deals during the week. Most attractions in London (Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, etc.) are also expensive, but offer student discounts so take your student ID card and ask about student discounts everywhere. Some places in London, like the Tate Modern and the British Museum, are free which is also great. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | London is expensive!! Budget wisely. Figure out how much money a week you're going to spend on food etc. in your first few weeks there, then plan the rest of your expenses accordingly. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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
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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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