London <3 Past Review

By (Cinematography and Film/Video Production., SUNY Purchase) for

Brunel University: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I learned that I am much braver than I give myself credit for and I learned how to function on my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The school itself was average- the work load was alright (but be prepared to get swamped with papers towards the end), the teachers were good despite the mildly uninteresting nature of the classes (I had already taken very similar classes in the states) and the grading system was easy to understand but was very delayed in

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host country program was very helpful, though not extremely active since it was the spring semester. However, there were still some social events that were provided (like an amazing trip to Wales and Bath) that were very fun. John Halsey, the resident Brit/adviser, was very sweet and very helpful/knowledgeable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The houses were pretty nice, you get your own room and bathroom which is cleaned for you once a month and there is a big open kitchen with a few big windows. It's safe, but it is very far away from London (it takes 15-20 minutes to walk to the tube station, then it's an hour and a half to get into central London, the exciting part of London). It's on campus so you are close to classes, but it isn't a very social environment in general, especially compared to American Universities. You don't have to, but I thought the sheets were terribly itchy, so I bought sheets, and you do need to buy your own cookware (there's a pound store right in Uxbridge where everything is 1 pound, so cheap cookware=good).

* Food:

I was able to buy my own groceries at Sainsburys (which is a 15-25 minute walk from campus) so I could eat how I wanted and the walk there was not bad at all. However, I take away a star because London's food is expensive. So is pretty much everything.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The cultural and social events were the most rewarding aspect of the trip. There was a great trip to Wales and Bath, a cute tour of London when you first arrive, an improv show, and a show at Shakespeare's Globe theater, all of which were planned by the program. There is so much to do outside of the program as well, timeout London was really helpful for finding fun things to do in London.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't really have any health issues while being over in London, and as far as safety was concerned, I really didn't hear of any major incidents.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to sound like a Nike commercial, but just do it. Brunel is fairly cheap as a program and if that is within your budget, go for it. It has its positives and negatives but so does every program. I will warn artistic people that the campus is very sporty and kinda low on the arts, but you can meet people there who share your sentiment.