When a woman tires of London, she tires of life Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/15/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Attending UCL allowed me the opportunity to experience higher education in a very different context -- large school, urban setting, and different country. I learned from leading experts in my fields of interest and had the opportunity to conduct research with graduate students. I also learned about budgeting, time management, prioritizing needs, work life balance, and how to integrate myself among students with a different culture and set of expectations.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic program is vigorous. There is an expectation for students to complete coursework preparation and assignments independently. UCL has access to a variety of libraries and collections that are useful for advance tracks of study and research.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

While the administration is quite hands off, assertiveness will serve individuals well. The staff and faculty are very responsive to individual student's inquiries.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The independence of living in flats with fellow study abroad students and first years is quite an experience. Everyone is very friendly and accountable. I chose to live a 5-minute walk away from campus, which is something I would recommend for students who are staying for a short time.

* Food:

The independent accommodation did not include a meal plan. However, this flexibility allowed for a lot of choice on an individual level as to how one wants to budget.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

So, aside from meeting a few friends that I already knew beforehand as well as getting to know select individuals well, I would say that it's hard to feel integrated with the local culture. With only three months to study, travel, and socialize -- what tends to happen is that individuals will comingle with other students interested in those activities (mostly other international students).

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yes, students are assigned a GP upon arrival.

* Safety:

The neighborhood that is near the campus is quite safe, particularly Bloomsbury/Fitzrovia. Other places including Camden and Brixton are not as safe during later hours of the day.

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)

So, London is a very expensive place to live. Groceries will easily be around $50-75 a week. Tube/bus is also expensive -- hence, location of residence matters greatly. Going out to eat, sight seeing, and travel will be most expensive. However, finding student bargains, planning trips in advance, and understanding where priorities lie are most efficient in terms of being able to find a budget that works for one's specific situation.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up some money during the summer before you go abroad. Plan ahead, keep a budget (use excel sheets), and look out for student bargains. It's definitely possible to enjoy London on a shoe string -- try student offers through UCL (UCLU organized trips and events), Ryainair, Airbnb, etc.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • coursework
  • research opportunity
  • independence
* What could be improved?
  • college network/support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.