Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Taste of London City Life with Kings College August 17, 2023

By (Cinema and Media Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/26/2022 to 12/09/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I very quickly had to adapt to the pace of London, which took the development of many new habits and unlearning of old ones. Very importantly, I had to learn how to connect (and reconnect) with the people around me, whether that was in classes, in my dorm, or with complete strangers at random, I found the people I met to be the most incredible part of my experience abroad.

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.

The course was not very rigorous throughout the semester in terms of workload and content, but the finals period was very hectic due to the number of large essays that needed to be submitted.

* 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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I found the experience very manageable work-wise and extremely fun in a social and exploration aspect. I have always wanted to live independently in a city like London and I was so pleased with how I was able to adapt to the environment and the experiences I had.

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)

Transport became one of the most expensive aspects of my budget and I found myself often taking long/dangerous routes to avoid splurging on taxis or more convenient transport options.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Proximity to the city
  • Academic rigor
  • The people I met!
* What could be improved?
  • Guidance + connection once in London
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it is much more worthwhile to put your books down and make plans with people you are nervous to spend time with! And also that meeting new people and making new friends is not nearly as difficult as you think it is.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.