You'll never be bored in London Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Barnard College) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The abroad experience is definitely worthwhile. It gives you a chance to put all you have learned in college thus far (both about yourself and academically) into effect in a different setting. It also gives you new perspective about your home country and college. And, if your lucky, it gives you an opportunity to travel and have fun in a new country with new people!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was provided housing by the university. I requested to live with friends from school, and we were given a flat together. We had to buy all of our own kitchenware and sheets/towels etc. We were well located in the center of town and in close proximity to the campus, although other abroad students were placed quite far from the campus. Overall, the accommodations worked out very well.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not participate in a program, so there were no planned excursions. However, there are endless things to do in and around London. There are many different neighborhoods to visit, historical sites to see, and day trips to take.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Having come from a school in a big city, London felt equally as safe if not more. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, there are plenty of people around that are willing to help. Fortunately, I was not faced with any serious health issues, however I know that there was a health center at UCL which we were covered to make use of. There were no prevalent health issues in London that needed to be addressed before departure.

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? London is an expensive city. The amount of money I spent weekly varied, but in it is important when coming in to the semester to be prepared to spend more that you're used to spending in America. That being said, it is not impossible to live on a student budget as long as you are able to prioritize your expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? London is an expensive city. The amount of money I spent weekly varied, but in it is important when coming in to the semester to be prepared to spend more that you're used to spending in America. That being said, it is not impossible to live on a student budget as long as you are able to prioritize your expenses.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

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