London: The City of Challenges and Excitement Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was manageable compared to Wellesley. The grading system was completely different and it is very important to understand their grading system because it at first scared me before I realized that anything above a 70 is and A though in America its not. Their teaching methods were mainly large lecture styles which I was not used to, but they did have smaller seminars. In America, these two were combined and class sizes were much smaller.

On-site administration of your program

The timing was very slow and it was hard to get a hold of anyone. Before I went, I was not secured housing because UCL did not send me a confirmation form. In order to ensure housing, it is important to call or make sure that everything is set. UCL was fairly flexible though because it seemed that no one received the required forms so people were still given housing; however, it was in generally fairly inefficient.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Student Housing: Campbell House East. This was fairly good accomodation. Mainly either international students or first year students. It was set up into singles or doubles with the room and a sink and communal bathrooms and kitchens. The safety was fairly good, but it was extremely important to always keep your door locked. Proximity was very close. The school was only a block away. You needed to buy everything to settle in except bed, desk, chair, and cabinet. Items such as bedsheets, pillows, lamps, and clothes hangers were all needed.

Other dorms have meal plans, but I chose to cook on my own. There are places to eat out, but eating out generally costs a lot, so I would not eat out often.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really enjoyed Neon Rave which is a party organized by UCL Student Union. It was a great way to meet people. There are also several trips organized called "Give it a Go" which introduce students to different things like trips to Oxford, reduced tickets to plays, bus tours, etc. These, you had to pay for, but were very fun and helpful.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

London is a fairly safe city if you keep your wits about you. The UCL are and Euston area seem to be fairly safe, but of course, keep alert at night and be sensible. Continue to be vigilant and when you are going out, stay with friends. Other areas of London can be more dangerous, but Bloomsbury in general is safe. Healthcare is easily accessible since it is national; you just have to register and submit the form. UCL just gave out forms to fill and submit. The local healthcare system, though many locals complained about it, was much more efficient than in America because it is national and you do not have to pay much as a student. There are also free sexual health clinics for testing and pregnancy. There are no prevalent health issues.

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

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• International Students
• Americans

Select all that apply