Live your best life! January 07, 2022
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/18/2021 to 12/17/2021 with
King's College London: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained important life perspectives! Learned a lot about myself and what I want from life. Really enjoyed meeting and making connections with people all around the world. Definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Compared to the academic rigor of Wellesley, classes at King's College definitely do not have the same level of intensity. However, that is ultimately what I think allowed me to really live my fullest London study abroad experience! There is a different study/work culture which is a welcomed break from Wellesley's stress culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I personally did not feel supported by King's study abroad office. I remember the first (and last) time I set up an in-person appointment to ask for help, I left their office feeling really bad about myself which is a poor sign as these are people who are meant to be supporting students who are away from their familiar environment. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Join societies/clubs/orgs at your university, this helps you integrate A LOT to the local social scene and culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Had to go to urgent care for a respiratory infection and was treated promptly. NHS also offers free lateral flow testing which is a major plus. |
| * Safety: |
London is like every other big city and everyone should be careful and aware of their surroundings! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 an expensive city. You will likely be tempted to eat out which you should allow yourself (you're abroad!) but it does add up. You can definitely live here on a budget but it will take a bit more of personal effort. Transportation also adds up quickly, if you can, try walking (London is a very walkable city) or biking! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Look out for affordable places to grocery shop! Lots of alternatives, just have to look. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I enjoyed going into my experience without expectations, although I wish I looked at different programs in London beforehand. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
