An Incredibly Rigorous and equally Rewarding Year. Past Review
By A student (Political Science And International Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/01/2012 to 07/01/2013 with
London School of Economics (LSE): London - General Course, Year-Long Study Abroad Programme
Adapting to a different university curriculum was very challenging and helped me grow as a writer and academic. I became more confidence in my independence and self. I reached out to organizations I wanted to be a part of based on my interests rather than career goals. I was on the LSE football team and strongly recommend joining a team at the LSE. The LSE isn't as social as other UK universities, so it's important to take the initiative and branch out. I loved living in London. The city is very familiar to me as half my family is here, and I've grown up visiting. However, living as a student is a different experience all together. And going to a prestigious university like the LSE is highly rewarding.
Review Photos
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. |
I had an incredible experience at the LSE. The LSE is a very challenging and rigorous university. The workload varies by course. The lectures were intellectually stimulating taught by academics in the forefront of their subjects. Classes were small, and provided an opportunity for us to review tough topics, ask questions, receive feedback. There were periods of quiet with little work, followed by weeks of high intensity. It's important to understand there is a far greater emphasis on independent learning at the LSE, and at UK universities in general. Students are expected to be reading and working through out the year, with little supervision. Choose subjects wisely, one's you will be engaged in. Otherwise, you will struggle to keep up with the work load. LSE has the largest social science library in Europe and attracts world leaders and intellectuals. I can't begin to describe how international and well-connected the LSE is, plugged into the latest world trends, phenomenas, and research. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The 'General Course' administration, which is led by Dean Hoffman is very well organized. They have office hours through out the year and are happy to help with any questions (transfer, credits, work load). They are however far less hands-off than administrators in smaller colleges, so its important to take the initiative and approach them if you have any questions. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the second largest accommodation: HIgh Holborn. The hall was not very social. First years stuck with each other, as did most general course students. Security was tight, flexible guest policy if you ask ahead for permission (more than three nights). It's flat style living, you have your own room but share a bathroom, shower and a kitchen. It's self-catering and the kitchen was disgusting. So it really depends on the habits of your flatmates. The main plus of HH was the location. A 7 minutes walk to campus, and even shorter is walking to 'New Building.' Next door to Covent Gardens, 15mins from Soho. Closest tube stops are High Holborn and Tottenham Court Road so very CENTRAL and convenient. Especially during the harsh winters, location is key. |
| * Food: |
London is incredible. There is no shortage of places to eat. It is pricey however, so I recommend cooking on the weekends and in the evening if you have time to spare. There is a wealth of choice available so I would explore your options. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The university is in the city. There is therefore a less of a campus life. But London itself is highly diverse, and cosmopolitan. If you enjoy city life, London is the place to be. There is so much to do and see. I would look into site and magazine like TimeOut and LastMinute.com to purchase theatre tickets and look into upcoming events. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
St.Phillips medical center is on campus and very convenient. NHS covers you for a year, so no worries there. Medicines are subsidized and affordable. The waits are long, and the walk-in hours are short. So its important to plan ahead. In cases of emergency, its best to go to the closest hospital. Health services in my home institution is shut on the weekends and one would be forced to pay for transport to the nearest medical center. Since the city's transport system is so well connected you won't have any trouble finding a hospital. |
| * Safety: |
London is a busy city, and its important to still be aware and cautious of the natural dangers of a city. It's not safe to roaming around alone at night, travel in groups. Certain areas are safer than others, West London compared to North London. Been aware of these differences and your surroundings. Otherwise, my accommodation was very safe. |
| 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) |
It was difficult, since London is very expensive. It's important to get an idea of pricing before setting a budget here as student often underestimate costs. Going out is expensive. Note down the students nights, and eating places that have student discounts. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Approx. 180 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cooking will save you a lot of money, especially if you cook with others and share grocery costs. Going out during the weekdays is cheaper than weekends, most students in the UK do this. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How difficult the academics at the LSE really are, and its important to remain consistent in your readings and work through out the year. Start studying for exams as early as Easter Break, and you'll breeze through. Reach out to your instructors for guidance, and if your class offers a practice mock exam definitely take it for the feedback. |
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. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
IR306: Sovereignty, Rights and Justice: International Political Theory |
| Course Department: | International Relations |
| Instructor: | Chris Brown |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Excellent course. I learnt so much regarding international political theory, human rights and sovereignty issues. Professor Brown is an incredible instructor and highly engaging. His work is widely known in the IR world and his knowledge is extensive. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
