Hull: a mediocre city made great by the people who live there Past Review
By Matthew B (Political Science and Government., Western Washington University) for
University of Hull: Hull - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
The experience was definitely worthwhile as I had a fantastic time. I couldn't imagine having a better time and I hope to return to Europe in the future for an extended period of time.
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. |
There is a much greater emphasis on self learning as there are much fewer hours per week spent in the classroom compared to America. |
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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? |
I lived in a University run house very close to the University. The neighborhood seemed safe to me but their were some burglaries and Police patrolled the area often. The house was just a couple blocks from campus. There was a decent nightlife scene close by and most things that were needed were within walking distance of the house. I brought some cookware with me which was a good decision as there wasnt any when I arrived and had to buy more. |
| * Food: |
English food is typically bland but there are alot of international dining options close to the university. In particular there was a Mediterranean food restaurant just a couple blocks away from the University which was quite tasty. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There weren't too many events or attractions but the European fair did come to the city in October. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The area around the University is safe but apparently there are shady parts of the city where crime is more abundant. They advised the people on the bottom floors of houses to not leave windows open while away as thieves may come in through the windows and steal stuff. I never had an issue with this but there were a couple burglaries during the semester so it does happen. |
| 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? | The city itself is nothing special or remarkable. Hull is not London and if you go there thinking it is then you will be disappointed. Hull is similar to Tacoma in that it has a lot of industry. That being said I had a fantastic time there because of the friends that I made and the people I met. Most of my friends there were other international students from places like Germany, France, and Eastern Europe so it was a very multicultural experience. Since this is a Direct exchange if you want to do any traveling you have to arrange it yourself. There is an International Students Association with the University that plans trips all over the UK but if you want to go further into Europe you will have to plan it yourself (which isn't too difficult). If you want to study in the UK Hull is a good place to do it because the city is cheap relative to the rest of the country and Hull is a fairly prestigious University. If you are at all thinking about it I would suggest going for it as in many ways my time in Hull was the adventure of a lifetime and it is better to go for it and (unlikely) have a mediocre or unpleasant time rather than not try at all. |
