Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

London: Relaxing, Fulfilling and Mind Opening! Past Review

By (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES., Wellesley College) for

University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying at UCL did not change my academic interests but rather strengthened them. I got to take a graduate level class and I loved it. I am now more passionate about computer science and have a more focused academic path. My stay in London was without any doubt mind opening. I'd been to several countries before but this city felt different and rich in its own way. In London, I got to experience the metropolitan nature of the place and embraced diversity even more.

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.

Coming from Wellesley College, I found the teaching methods significantly different. The classes were not as interactive and the lecturer to students relationships weren't as close. On the other hand, the work load was strikingly less. I had plenty of time to focus on other non-academic but important things, something I almost never get at Wellesley.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The most amazing thing about this program was the fact that the administration was so much understanding. I think this was probably the case because a number of the faculty members and staff attended US educational institutions. The administration was very quick at responding and resolving problem, whether they ranged from registration to wanting to switch classes. My expectations were met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I lived in an apartment in a self catered Hall. The hall is located in central London near Euston Square so there are a lot of places one can go to for food. Some of the good supermarkets (for those who'd like to cook) are Sainsbury's and Tesco. London is a very multicultural city; hence there is almost all kinds of food one can think of.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program did not arrange any events/ trips. However, my friends and I did a lot of travelling within and out of the country. Weekends are the best times to travel. There are several websites with student fares (eg Ryan Air) and other discounts that students can make use of.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never faced any health concerns and London (at least where I lived) is a very safe place.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 150 pounds a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Wellesley does a great job at giving information to students going abroad. I was fully prepared financially when I got to London.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

  • International Students
  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Focused curriculum.
  • The supportive nature of both my home and the host universities.
  • Plenty of time to learn and visit other sites.
* What could be improved?
  • The faculty should provide students with more resources eg office hours.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are looking for a very focused yet relaxing curriculum, I'd recommend studying in the UK. The system gives you so much to learn but not in the 'slap in the face' manner. I'd definitely recommend UCL to both undergraduate and graduate students interested in Computer Science as the department has some of the best professors in the world. The program is very rigorous but is handled in a very organized and non-stressful fashion.