London is expensive but worth it Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 06/10/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to adapt to a new environment. I also learned how to be more frugal. I learned more about European culture in general as well and was able to travel throughout the continent. Definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food in the res hall was pretty bad, but food in London is generally pretty great. The one star is of course for the res hall food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed a prescription for something and having access to the universal healthcare was really helpful. I got my prescription pretty quickly and was able to pick it up from the local Boots.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Though UCL was much larger than my home institution and took a bit of getting used to, I really liked my time there and the activities I engaged in. I also really love London and wouldn't hesitate to go back.

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? Between 20-25 pounds which is about 30 - 37 usd.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep an excel sheet of your expenses. It maintains your spending integrity.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • People
  • Class structure
* What could be improved?
  • Better orientation for spring study abroad students
  • Helpful resources could be made more obvious
  • Maybe a subsidized metro card
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now to be more diligent about researching for course registration. I also know not to choose a residential hall with an attached dining hall - cooking for yourself is much cheaper and tastier.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'