London Study Abroad! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was placed in Gowar Block F, a Korean dorm composed of multiple flats on the University of London, Royal Holloway's campus. This was not what I wanted out of my British experience and the school would not change my housing. The facility was extremely nice but the interaction with my flatmates was extremely limited and did not invite much integration. <br /><br /> I discovered only upon my arrival that the block of the dorm I was placed in was actually donated by Korea University. The block had nearly no British students. Almost all of the students living here were from Asia and did not invite any integration except for the occasional conversation in the kitchen. It was a completely foreign and somewhat isolating experience in the dorm itself. I contacted my program as well as the school and they said they could not change my housing. I was not pleased that I was not informed of this beforehand because I would have changed my housing to live with majority of British students as that was part of the purpose of my attending a school in England. Thankfully I made friends with the other international students who were placed in British housing and made friends with their flatmates. But I would not recommend to any international student to live in Block F of Gowar if they are looking to meet british students or a more sociable dorm. The facilities themselves were very nice and plush. Nearly all the dorms on campus are the exact same with the exception of founders and runnymede hall. The single room with its own bathroom was great and the kitchen was well equipped with two refrigerators to accommodate 8 flatmates. You do need to bring or purchase all of your own cookware, cutlery as well as bed sheets.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Basically Arcadia offers many opportunities to become involved in trips with other international students. Everyone who attended their trips truly seemed to enjoy it and gain a new experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe in Egham. I never felt threatened by anyone. The healthcare on campus was a little tricky as they would not see me without me paying 30 pounds which I could not afford out of pocket immediately so instead I sought healthcare elsewhere. However I never ran into any serious issues and had no complications.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• International Students

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• Local Students