A Semester at Goldsmiths Past Review

By (Cinema and Media Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/29/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

Goldsmiths, University of London: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned immensely about living and learning independently. The city of London is culturally rich, very enjoyable. Goldsmith's Visual Cultures and Media/Communications Departments had extremely thought provoking and fun classes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Class topics and readings were very fascinating, professors were helpful. Classes met usually once a week to discuss readings. I would not recommend computer science, as the department's classes rely on each other and

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Study Abroad Advisor was quick with responding to emails and accommodating students! I was helped with rearranging my schedule.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Communal kitchens are cleaned daily, each room has a small bathroom. It usually took me about 7 minutes to walk to class.

* Food:

Had to cook for myself, both large supermarkets and small local grocers are in a close proximity. There are cafes on campus and moderately priced take-out/ delivery restaurants in the area.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Goldsmiths is located in Southeast London, in New Cross. Though further from central London, prices are cheaper and the local culture is pleasant. Overground train and buses are a two minute walk from dorms. As someone who enjoys going to music venues, I saw a lot of bands I like live and through that was able to meet and maintain friends outside of Goldsmiths.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There are close local grocers in Deptford market where you can buy produce and groceries very cheap. Cooking simple meals helped save a lot of money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Enjoyable professors
  • Vibrant Local Art Culture
  • Thought provoking classes
* What could be improved?
  • Not fully integrated with other students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to take a class in computer science