SOAS- Highs and Lows Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I did not find my history courses to be rigorous in comparison to Wellesley. The students came unprepared to tutorials, the professors did not engage with excellent discussion, and all materials were posted online, so attending class was not even necessary sometimes. My language class, Arabic, was difficult and challenging. I enjoyed it and the professor was very helpful. The library was very frustrating. SOAS's library is huge, and has basically everything you could ever think of about Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. However, there are often only one or two copies of each book per class (students do not buy textbooks here, unless for languages) when anywhere between 20-70 people need the book at the same time. This is hugely inconvenient. Some books can be loaned just overnight, some for one week, and some for as long as one month. When there's two copies of a book for one class, and they are both one month loans, how do you think that turns out for the other 20-25 students in the class?

On-site administration of your program

Orientation was pretty comprehensive. I felt prepared for my classes, the grading system, and how exams would work. I was always helped promptly by our study abroad coordinator. They did a good job addressing our needs and inviting us to international student programs.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dinwiddy House was a great location and was just down the street from the Vernon Square campus and King's Cross station. It was a 20 minutes' walking distance from the main Russel Square campus. It was within walking distance to both Sainsbury's and two different Tesco locations. My room was very nice, although the bathroom could have been better. I had several incidences where the bathroom overflowed, the ceiling leaked, or the water would shut down for hours at a time. I shared a kitchen with six flat mates. They did not do their part in keeping our environment clean. There were dirty dishes on every possible surface, including the table, window sills, and on top of the counters. Some stayed there since I moved in until May 31. I didn't cook anything preparation intensive because there was no counter space on which to do so due to the filth.

There is no dining at SOAS, however the dorms are close to Sainsbury's and Tesco. There are tons of restaurants in the King's Cross area.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very comfortable in London and well acquainted with the area around SOAS and downtown. I didn't make too many British friends, and stayed close mostly with other study-abroad students, but I enjoyed the culture and the social life of the school. I didn't join any university clubs at SOAS because they had rather expensive membership fees. I did join the University of London gym and had a positive experience there meeting people and going to classes.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Fortunately, I did not have any health issues while at SOAS. I did not have a student visa that permitted access to NHS, so I would have used my private health insurance that I obtain through my parents. I think this could have been complicated.

I walked to and from the Russel Square campus and Dinwiddy house many times late at night and felt safe, but was always cautious.

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

Without loans and grants from Wellesley I would have not been able to study in London. It is one of the most expensive cities for American students to live in. I spent maybe 50 pounds per week on food. The majority of my money was spent on textbooks, travel, attractions within London, and housing.

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• Local Students
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• Americans
• International Students

• Foreign Language Class
• Unique School
• London

• Academic Rigor
• Housing