Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

City Girl Returning to her City Roots Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/19/2015 to 06/10/2016 with

Queen Mary University of London Study Abroad programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think being a responsible human being, as in taking care of myself, cooking and cleaning for myself, was a good experience. I also realized that I love living in a big city, so I know after college where I should search for job opportunities.

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.

Not particularly rigorous. I come from a very intensive and stressful school and this was like a walk in the park. You have about 2 assignments a semester, and its nearly impossible to fail a class (40% or more is a failed class, so its pretty easy to pass)

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful when I decided to extend my stay for a full year, however because the college is so big, help seems a bit automated. I got no help applying for a visa, which was very stressful, and they never update which classes are offered which semester so you are left going in blind when you register.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They are a bit expensive (but it is London, so it is to be expected). I just the middle to basic package, and lived in a flat with 5 other people (co-ed). I had my own bathroom, which was really nice. The shared kitchen area is not as great. The ventilator barely worked so frying food created a hazardous amount of steam, and the oven/stove itself was not great for cooking.

* Food:

You have to cook for yourself which I really enjoy, but it could be difficult for novices. Buying food can be expensive or cheap depending or where you go to buy. Avoid Sainsbury's for wholesale shopping. I always went to markets or discount food stores like Lidl, where food was around 30% cheaper. You can get food delivered to your flat as well. I think I spent around $300-400 (not pounds) on food a month.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since I was living with a bunch of British students I did feel pretty integrated. I also joined a couple clubs, which helped. However, YOU have to make the effort to socialize. This university is not like in the US where it is pretty easy to meet people in classes or during lunch (there are no cafeterias here). It is important to put yourself out there or you will have no friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues, so I had no need for health insurance.

* Safety:

I think London is pretty safe. As a woman, you will be catcalled and hit on, but that is the unfortunate reality. I have never felt in danger alone at night, and I have never been pick pocketed or had anything stolen. As long as you are safe and lock your stuff up you will be 100% OK.

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

I like where I lived in terms of location, and the classes and people I met, so I would do it again. However, if I had to take another year abroad I would go somewhere else because going to the same place twice is boring.

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 is hard to be cheap in London, since it is a VERY VERY VERY EXPENSIVE city. It is not a place for people who do not like to spend. Everything is expensive. Even the travel on the metro is expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to buy food at markets or discount stores (Costco or Lidl are great options). Try to drink before going out to clubs or bars, because buying your own alcohol is way cheaper. Also buy a 16-25 Railcard because you can link it to your Oyster card (a metro card) and get around 30% off of your travel on the subway. The railcard does not around $40 but it will save you a lot of money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Location
  • Classes
  • Close to other countries in Europe
* What could be improved?
  • Financial Aid
  • Opportunities to Meet People
  • Information on How to Save Money
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish we were given more information on how to live in London on a budget, regarding money saving tips. Also I wish I tried to go out and meet new people more.

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 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.