Lost in London: A Romance Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 05/26/2016 with
University College London (UCL): London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned how to live independently, navigate a big city, and put myself out there. You are definitely not coddled like you are at Wellesley - you have to rely on yourself. My good time is attributed to the city itself. London is amazing and has so many opportunities for fun around every corner. I can't wait to go back!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were very easy. Most lectures were available online later in the week. I only stressed about academics during finals week. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My dorm was pretty far from campus compared to other dorms where most study abroad students lived. The staff was very kind and helpful when I needed to switch rooms. My first room had a mold infestation, so I complained and was immediately given a new room in the same building and a fridge to keep my medications. I lived with Masters students in a 5 bedroom flat with shared kitchen and bathroom. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone I know mainly interacted with other study abroad students. UCL does a poor job of helping student bridge connections and all the orientation events were lackluster. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I walked around a lot, even at night, with no incidents. The campus is usually pretty active at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would choose a school that had more programs for study abroad students! Also, the classes at UCL were not exciting at all...My good time is attributed to the city itself. |
Finances
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* 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) |
2.5; I got generous financial aid and had minimal problems with money. I spent wisely. I will say I came back to the U.S. broke. London is a very expensive city, so be prepared. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 25 pounds every week |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Know that you have to put yourself out there early on to establish lasting friendships and don't be afraid to reach out to people. Study a bit along the way to prevent so much stress during finals. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
