Semester in London Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Wellesley College) for

King's College London: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it really was. The confidence and independence that you find while studying abroad, especially in a vibrant city like london, really helps you start to feel like an adult.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: King's College London
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had a really great time in my classes. Coming from Wellesley, where standards are so high, I was nervous, but I was not at all disappointed. I really enjoyed taking classes within one department and the format of having a large lecture and smaller discussion session.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had no formal program leader, so it was difficult to meet people at first (I did it all myself, no one helped me) but in terms of administrative stuff,it was handled very well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked living in a dorm. I made friends with people who lived in the same housing complex and the location, hampstead, was adorable. My only problem was that the students I lived with were all first year students since older students (students closer to my own age) live off campus. It took me longer-- until I got to know them through classes-- to make with students my age.

* Food:

We bought our own food and cooked it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All were provided through the school, or scheduled by me and friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The British health care system (more widely available medication etc) helped me with stuff.

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? I spent about $300 a week on everything (food, entertainment, personal expenses and more when I was traveling. London is an expensive city but I think you could probably do it on less than i did if you needed to.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I was pretty well prepared.

Language

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Atmosphere
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are interested in really exploring a city I would recommend KCL. The location of my living accommodations and the various campuses of the school enabled me to get an amazingly broad understanding of the city of London.