London: A Semester of Growing Up and New Experiences Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had to be an independent learner when I was studying at UCL. Since most of the professors didn't assign specific readings, I had to decide what to read in the suggested books when I was studying for final exams. The benefit of not having required readings was that I didn't have to buy any books. I just checked out the books from the library for short periods. Also, since I only knew one or a few people in each class, I studied by myself for final exams rather than a group of people like at Wellesley. While the large lecture style of my classes was new to me, I didn't mind it that much. Since we covered so much material in each class, I think it would have been difficult to get through the material if students constantly answered questions. Most of my learning during my study abroad experience took place outside of class, but that is okay with me because I have another year at Wellesley to have an excellent educational experience.

On-site administration of your program

I wish that the UCL Residences office would have notified us about our housing earlier. Although I knew that it was highly unlikely that I wouldn't receive on-campus housing, I was worried about housing because I didn't find about my housing offer until December 20 (two weeks before I left for London). When I was e-mailed my housing offer, the Residences office said that I would be receiving a housing contract by mail. When I didn't receive it by January 4th, I began worried that I wouldn't be able to enter my dorm when I arrived the next day. Luckily, a staff member from the UCL Residences e-mailed me back soon after saying that my room was secure. I also remember that it took a long time for me to receive the result of my UCL application. While the administration staff members were very nice and helpful, I wish that they had a faster turnaround time.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a single room in Astor College. Most of the residents on my floor were local first year students, but there were a few international students and another American. Since I started at UCL in the spring, most of the people on my floor were already close friends with each other. Therefore, I found that it was difficult for me to make friends with the other residents on my floor, especially at the beginning of the term. My room included a bed, desk, two chairs, shelves, fridge, and sink. Since I didn't want to bring too many things with me on the plane, I bought most items there. The Residences office gives you the option of purchasing their bedding for 50 pounds. I liked the location of Astor College because it was only a 5-10 minute walk to UCL's campus as well as many places in Central London. I could easily walk to Oxford Street, Regent's Park, Chinatown, the British Museum, etc.

Although I had never cooked by myself before coming to London, I was able to cook decent meals and never went hungry. For those students who have no or little cooking experience before going abroad, start simple and you will probably discover that it isn't as hard as it seems. Also, cooking with friends is more fun. Although I enjoyed eating out because I would get tired of cooking sometimes, I don't remember the food being any better than food I've tasted in the US. I think some of the best food that I had in London wasn't in restaurants but at the markets (e.g. Camden, Borough).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I studied abroad primarily for the social and culture experiences rather than the academic experiences and I was not disappointed. Except when I was studying for final exams, I felt more like a London visitor than a UCL student. I loved traveling around London because I felt like there was so much to see and do. One aspect of London that surprised me the most was the amount of green space. It was relaxing to visit parks to read for class or just sit and talk with friends. I am glad that I was in London for the royal wedding because I felt like I was invited to a party with millions of guests. During our 5-week exam revision period (spring break), I traveled to France and Italy. I have so many wonderful memories from those trips - seeing Paris from a hot air balloon, taking a boat tour in the Mediterranean, people watching on the Spanish steps, watching the sun set in Florence, etc. If it is your first time in Europe (like it was for me), I would definitely recommend going to those countries if possible. I also took many day trips to other cities in the UK and enjoyed all of them. The English and Welsh countryside is so breathtaking!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I hurt my knee during my second week in London, so I went to the health clinic on UCL's campus. Since I hadn't registered with the clinic yet, I had to turn in a few forms before I could see a nurse or physician. The wait to see a nurse or physician can be long (especially on Mondays and Fridays). I didn't have to pay to visit the health clinic but I paid for my over-the-counter painkillers (which were relatively cheap), ice pack, and wrap. I found healthcare to be easily accessible and the medical practitioners to be very nice. I found London to be very safe. Even at night, I felt safe walking to my dorm by myself because there was always people on the streets. As with other big cities, avoid walking in dim and empty streets at night.

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

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students
• Americans

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• Local Students