Life in Birmingham (England), Better than I had hoped for! Past Review
By David L (Business Administration, Birmingham-Southern College) for
University of Birmingham: Birmingham - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes! I had the time of my life and met so many great friends. Along with the ability to travel, when I was not traveling the time I spent at the university was amazing. The overall openness to me from my flat mates was really nice. It changed my mind about what I want to do after I graduate, and I am now hoping to get a job in England after graduating.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The overall workload was not hard, but it was something that you need to stay on top of or it will overwhelm you late in the semester. The grading system was confusing at first, but then once you understand it you can deal with it. For the business courses I took the courses were much more group focused than the ones I have taken in the States. Also some of their courses run for a whole year, and all of the courses finals are after the second semester. Having to take special test or write special papers to make up for not being there the full year was somewhat of a hassle, but I would do it again. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were good. While it was hard for me to deal with the different |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was set up with 5 people per flat in an apartment complex. The flats were very social and I enjoyed living there with my fellow flat mates. It was about 15 minutes walk, or a few pound taxi ride to the downtown area for nightlife. I needed to buy sheets, cookware and the other bare essentials to live there. Their sheets are really different from what we are use to, so if your a picky sleeper bring your own sheets! |
| * Food: |
Honestly... their food does not compare to ours, but it is not bad. They have some amazing deserts over there and much better chocolate. The only thing that lacked was hamburgers (had about 2, both were bad), and some other meats. Granted I am talking mostly about the cafeteria on campus. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I played a sport for the University of Birmingham and the City of Birmingham. This was a great time and it enabled me to make friends that I would otherwise not have been able to meet. I was also involved with the Methodist Society on campus and enjoyed being a part of it, even though it was much different from the United Methodist background I came from. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No problems with anything. While I had no experiences with healthcare issues, psychical safety was not an issue in England. First off, no one has a gun over there. So compared to where I am in the States, England is a much safer place to be walking around. |
| 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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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?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Going to UB, you will be staying with freshmen in the accomodation on campus housing. The 'dorms' are Tennis Courts, Maple Bank, Mason, and Shackelton. From a personal perspective I think Tennis Courts and Mason are the most social of the bunch, and while Maple is also socially welcoming it is the worst place to live in every aspect. Shack is a step down from Mason in living and is a great place to live, but in general it is much less social than Tennis Courts or Mason. Mason isn't on the dining plan so keep that in mind, because you will have to cook your own meals. Tennis Courts is a campus favorite and the most social and best located (in relation to classes). Tennis Courts has both catered and self-catered, so make sure you get the catered option (for all accommodations)!! |
