Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London called! Past Review

By (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 09/13/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

Arcadia: London - University of Westminster

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about myself, most importantly that I cannot control everything and that is okay. This was the most worthwhile thing that I could have done in my life so far.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved the flat provided by the University of Westminster in Shoreditch. Alexander Fleming Hall forever.

* Food:

London as a city has amazing food but eating out for every meal gets very pricey, quickly so I had to make the investments in cooking in my flat. Cooking for myself in a flat for a semester was a bit more difficult than I thought it would be. The unfamiliarity of grocery stores / markets was what I struggled with the most.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues occur whilst in London.

* Safety:

Unfortunately London has been the site for a few public incidents as of late. There were two major events while I was there in Fall 2017. This was a small downside, but Arcadia and the University of Westminster prepared me to the best of their ability and provided resources for anyone affected. Also the Metropolitan (London)Police have a great system of immediate notification which allows you to stay on top of the information and current happening.

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

Arcadia/University of Westminster was the best possible outcome that I could have had for my study abroad term. I was looking into other programs in London and I am glad that they rejected me. Arcadia was so helpful, I would not have had such a good time without their resources and events

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)

Budgeting is something I should have done before landing in London. London is an expensive place to live in.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $350

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • events/excursions
  • classes
  • proximity to global culture
* What could be improved?
  • budgeting tutorials?
  • british academic system introduction
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Unlock my american cell phone so that i could use the same phone with a different SIM card

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.