An unforgettable semester in London Past Review

By (International and Global Studies, History, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/15/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

IFSA: London - University College London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile. I absolutely loved living in such a culturally diverse city and have made great friends from around the world. I was definitely pushed out of my comfort zone (in a good way) and learned a lot about myself and about Europe as a whole. It was a truly amazing experience.

Review Photos

IFSA-Butler: London - University College London Photo IFSA-Butler: London - University College London Photo IFSA-Butler: London - University College London Photo IFSA-Butler: London - University College London Photo

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt completely a part of both the University and London in general and made friends from England and around the world through my studies!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I generally felt safe as long as I was with other people. I would avoid walking around the city by yourself at night, as I know people who ran into problems and felt unsafe.

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)

London is a very expensive city...one of the most expensive in Europe. I found it hard to live on a student budget simply for this reason, but you can make it work if you budget your money well.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget! And try to stick to it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • Friends I made
  • Easy and great integration into the city
* What could be improved?
  • Cost/expenses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive living in London is!

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.