Awesome opportunity to explore my favorite city Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

King's academic experience was at times incredible and at times frustrating. Almost of my classes met only one day a week, which was lovely except that it was difficult to connect with lecturers, TA's, and even peers. Often, professors and TA's spent lectures giving out reading lists instead of actually teaching anything, which frequently made learning difficult. The way we were tested and graded, however, USUALLY was essay-based, and we were given ample freedom to write about the topics that most interested us. Therefore, it was much like the "real world." Often, I was encouraged to dive into the readings I found most gripping and ignore that which I didn't care to learn. Very occasionally, a few of my teachers were unclear and, frankly, uninterested in helping students learn; they were simply there to judge us on our ability to teach ourselves. The libraries are pretty good, but the online resources are only mediocre when compared to the excellent online library of my home institution. A few of the courses were truly eye-opening and life-changing ("Language on the Edge" and "Museums of London: A Cultural History, for example). Others were mediocre at best. To succeed and/or enjoy any of them, however, required an incredible amount of self-discipline.

On-site administration of your program

Arcadia was not very useful or helpful to me. When I was sick in the hospital, I contacted them via email and was met with no response, so after that I didn't try keeping up with them at all. However, I didn't feel the need to reach out to them much to be honest, because I was having a good time anyways. Had I been struggling academically or emotionally at any point throughout the year, I have no idea if they would have been helpful or not.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in Stamford Street apartments and WOW the location is INCREDIBLE. It certainly had its issues - mold problems being the worst one I had to deal with because of no ventilation in the shower area - but honestly I didn't care because what mattered to me was to be in such a perfectly central location.

London food is pretty great, but it'll put a major hole in your pocket!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I love London culture; it's not really one culture; it's a HUUUGE mix of cultures from all over the world. I loved my time here.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick many times. The King's student health centre was NOT good. The doctor was dismissive of me when I came in with tonsillitis until eventually I had to be put on antibiotics and go to the hospital. I highly recommend registering with a different GP office right off the bat if possible. However, every single other experience I had - with urgent care, A&E, and other walk-in clinics was excellent and COMPLETELY FREE.

I never felt in danger here. Like any city, you need to have street smarts, but it's one of the only big cities I've been to where I've always felt quite safe.

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

Very pricy city, even when you're being smart about spending.

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• Dorm
• Apartment

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Being in London!
• Having free time to travel
• Some very interesting classes

• Better communication with Arcadia after orientation
• More clarity about the grading system differences between King's and American schools
• More clarity from professors about what they expect from essays

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer