Leicester - It rhymes with Chester! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It's a lot of independent study so self-motivation is essential. There's lots of opportunities to be social, go out, travel and have fun. It's easy to forget the real reason why you're here so make sure to stay on top of assignments. courses and assignments are very different from what we're used to in The States. Attendance isn't always taken or part of your grade. Make sure to communicate with your tutors if you aren't clear on something - That's why they're there.

On-site administration of your program

The staff at the International Studies office was incredibly helpful. They were always there to help me if I had a problem. They knew me by name even though I'd only been in the office once.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my room but hated my hall. The other residents didn't seem to bother to adhere to the noise regulations or show any respect of the other living in the hall that weren't chugging booze every night. They were destructive (broke FOUR windows,) loud at all hours and slobs. Every morning I'd leave for class and the stairwell and halls would be trashed. I felt sorry for the cleaning crew. I'd avoid Beaumont Hall at all costs! This is the one part of my entire experience that I hated! Catered housing wasn't terribly close to campus but the bus runs regularly. However the buses are usually packed so it's a good idea to leave about 20-30 minutes earlier than you normally would just to make sure you can get onto a bus. I had to purchase my own bedding, cutlery, crockery, and dishes. The school does provide you the opportunity to purchase it through them or you can walk to the ASDA down the toad and get it. Catered housing wasn't close to nightlife but between the city buses and the free buses provided by the various clubs, it was always very easy to go out. Getting home after midnight requires a taxi or using the school provided Safety Bus so make sure you have cash on you and don't be afraid to share a cab. Just try to remember to be quiet because there are people around that didn't go out and might be trying to sleep at 3am. They most likely do not want to be woken up by drunken chanting.

They had some decent food but for the most part it seemed like it was always the same thing. Some weird slop entree, some form of potatoes and either carrots or peas. Every once in a while there'd be broccoli or string beans but it was rare. Also, don't expect any variety for breakfast. It will be exactly the same, Monday through Friday, for the entire term. And weekend brunch is just... ick. They always have a vegetarian option but if you're vegan - go for self-catered and cook yourself. When on campus go to Planets Cafe (in Rattray) for delicious baked potatoes or delicious (in Charles Wilson) for sandwiches and soups. Off campus, make sure you check out Handmade Burger Co in Highcross and Las Iguanas next door to Chilli White's. Amazing burger and some fine latin food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It amused me a bit that the entire first two weeks of the term consisted of some time of party/bar crawl/club outing sponsored by the school. Freshers Week was basically two weeks of people just getting wasted at bars and clubs. It's very different here because the drinking age is younger. If you decide to take part in these activities, be SMART!!! I did enjoy that each of the halls had a bar on site and each bar had it's own style. Definitely worth visiting each halls bar.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The RAs randomly came around to check on residents. The "Campus Cops" were amazingly friendly. Lock your doors and shut your windows when you leave your room and you shouldn't have any problems. There's a health centre right near campus that you can use as well as a walk-in clinic near the dorms. You do need to register with NHS but they can set you up as a temporary resident if you aren't here long enough to qualify for full access to care.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students
• Americans

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• Everything!

• I wish I'd taken a year instead.