Eye-opening experience. Go abroad! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academically, it wasn't as rigorous as Wellesley in the sense that there weren't many assessments throughout the actual term. I was in the economics department so I did have problem sets, and one history paper, but aside from the history course, everything was based on the final exam/paper at the end of the term. I took two economics, one history, and one global health course. I do imagine it might be more academically rigorous than a study abroad program per se since you are basically a student at the university. For some courses (or "modules" as they call it), it might take time to adjust to the larger lectures. Overall, the professors were pretty good and it wasn't too demanding.

On-site administration of your program

Honestly, it was slightly a pain to deal with the university directly. Registration was confusing and frustrating because you can only insert your modules (courses) once. The changes have to be made on the administration side. But, for specific departments, especially economics, they have assigned affiliate staff that do orientation for affiliate students, help them maneuver their way around registration, provide support, etc. Mine were absolutely fantastic, and professors in general reply pretty quickly. Just administration as a whole was quite bureaucratic, but I guess it is to be expected at such a massive university.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a single en-suite flat, which meant I had my own room and bathroom with shower (so great), and a kitchen I shared with five other flatmates. It was a 20-25 minute walk from the main campus. It was really convenient to have my own bathroom, and having a communal kitchen is great because you can chat with flatmates. Although it was a bit of a walk, it was nice to be in a different part of London and to have some distinction between "home" and academics.

Four stars because everything is so expensive. But despite what people say, food in London is not bad at all. There are tons of markets spread throughout the city. Just don't expect it to be the same as America (cookie dough is rare, eggs aren't refrigerated, etc.) I did have to cook for myself, but it was fine as I had a supermarket a few blocks down. The generic supermarkets are sainsbury (local is the large one), tesco, M&S (more expensive), and Waitrose (also more expensive).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did have several friends who were actual UCL students but most of my friends were international, even my flatmates. When it comes to social integration in London, I would definitely check out the pubs.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I give it five stars because I did not have a particular health issue and they did inform us about the health facilities.

London overall is pretty safe. Just make sure you're not walking around late at night by yourself even if it is pretty safe as the streets tend to be pretty quiet. During orientation, they had the police come in and they gave a general overview of safety measures, advice, and information.

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

Everything is super expensive. However, once you are there for awhile you start to figure out when things go on sale at your local grocery store. But still, expensive.

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• Dorm

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• Americans
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• Other students
• Ability to travel
• Different courses

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