Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

UCL experience Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/17/2019 to 12/13/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a good time in London, lots of art galleries, plays, musicals. Loved that. Also London is very student friendly, there are a lot of student discounts. UCL was fine but did not quite meet my expectation.

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.

Not very intense. The UK likes to strike a lot, which is good for their own sake, but gets annoying for us students who only have 10 weeks of courses. Some of my courses only met for 8 times.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The overall uni admin is trying hard, but the psych department wasn't particularly helpful. I felt very distance from them, not sure if it is an American-english difference or just the psych department.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

the dorm was great, central location, matched my requirements, good facility maintenance staff.

* Food:

Did not eat at the dining hall.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I mostly hang out with study abroad students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

NA

* Safety:

London is not that safe, but if you stay alert you should be ok. I have heard multiple crimes every month near the uni.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I will probably go to Europe instead, at least I can practice my foreign language. I was disappointed with the academics at UCL, but London was definitely worth it!

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)

London can be expensive, but it has a lot of cheap options to live on budget. I thought it can be cheaper than living in boston.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$80

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

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • city
  • city
  • city
* What could be improved?
  • Academic Admin at host school
  • pre-program info on possibility of strikes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That UK constantly strike and that can truly impact your daily life greatly.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!