Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I LOVE LONDON--UCL, not so much. Past Review

By (Economics and Psychology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/27/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It absolutely was worthwhile. Can't really explain, it is something that needs to be experienced. I gave the overall program ten stars because overall, UCL's location and people and reputation made for a really fantastic experience, even though I did not enjoy the frustrating administration or some of my classes.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I did not like the academic experience at UCL. Their administration was confusing and frustrating, many things were left unclear, and this was just in the beginning for class registration. For the classes themselves, it was just teachers reading off powerpoints lecturing at the students; they didn't seem to be too involved and they didn't seem to really care about the students. It was a job, and it needed to be done. After a while, I never really had to attend the classes that took didn't take attendance because I could self-learn from the readings. However, my history class was amazing--it was pretty small, we went on field trips to many major museums, the tutor was very involved and interested. Great class!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Really, really horrible. No department knows anything about any other department, which makes sense considering how UK education is structured. But it made it extremely difficult to find answers and get things done.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I first lived in Langton Close, which wasn't great. But, midway through the semester, I managed to move to Ramsay Hall and I LOVED it; completely changed my entire experience. Location was absolutely the best, and it's such a fun and social dorm.

* Food:

At Langton, I cooked my own food. That was all right. At Ramsay, a catered dorm, they served breakfast and dinner (no lunch). I thought the food was pretty yummy!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I personally took it upon myself to make British friends (as well as friends from other countries) as well as go out and explore London. It was amazing!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare is free, so that is great. However, I recently had knee problems going into the program that I was worried about; when I had an emergency and needed crutches, the hospital would not let me borrow any, which made it difficult to get around.

* Safety:

London is SO SAFE. I felt safe everywhere and anywhere, even walking back to the dorm alone at 3 or 4 am.

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)

So London is incredible expensive. I had saved money up from my summer internship; about $4500-$5000, and it is all gone now.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Before I moved to a catered dorm, I spent maybe $50 every other week on food
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Not really. This was my first time in Europe, and I wanted to make the most of it; thus, I spent money on events and traveling and etc., and I thought it was worth it. Definitely take advantage of student discounts and popular clothing stores (they all have them! UK loves students)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • People
  • Reputation
* What could be improved?
  • Administration
  • Professor-student relationship
  • Exams
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to properly register for classes--sometimes you need to sign up online AND visit the teacher in person to ask to be put into the class. Otherwise, you may be signed up online but since people had asked in person beforehand, they will get the class.

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.