Math in London Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, my workload at UCL was less than my usual workload at Wellesley. But one of the math classes I took was a first year graduate course, so that class took up more time than a usual 300-level math class at Wellesley. Because UCL is such a large university, professors there are more detached from their students than here at Wellesley. But they were still very approachable in office hour and very willing to help if you asked for it. Unlike at Wellesley, a professor would have no idea a student is struggling unless the student says something since homework is graded by a TA and classes are so large. So even more, the responsibility rests on the students to seek help and guidance. The final exam was 90% of my grade in all three math classes, the other 10% being homework. I found that a large percentage of the local students either copied each others' homework or did not care very much about homework as a consequence of this grading system, and that negatively affected my educational experience there. I felt no desire to work with other students, which usually contributes a lot to my learning.

On-site administration of your program

One complaint about UCL's housing administration: the dorm I was placed into was under construction the day that I arrived so we were temporarily placed in a different dorm for a few days. However, there was no email sent out warning people of this so I took a taxi to my supposed-dorm, only to find it closed. It was only because my taxi driver was extremely nice and talked to some of the construction workers that we found out where I was supposed to go. And on the day that we moved into our permanent dorm, the school provided to help to our moving process. I understand that the two dorms were only a few blocks away, but that's VERY far when you have three giant suitcases.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of my dorm (Astor College)was wonderful! It is in the heart of London, at most 10 minutes (walking) away from any of the academic buildings, and a 10-minute walk to The shopping street of London. There were a plethora of restaurants right next to the dorm and a beautiful park for running close by.

I opted out of the dining plan and made most of my own meals in London.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I highly recommend the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Tower of London.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As an enrolled student of UCL, I had access to their health services for a small fee. But I had no health issues while I was there so I had minimal contact with their health services.

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

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students
• Local Students

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• Commutative Algebra class!

• Better communication with students about housing