Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Would recommend Liverpool to anyone! June 13, 2023

By (Marketing, University of Liverpool) - abroad from 01/28/2023 to 06/02/2023 with

University of Liverpool: Liverpool - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself during this experience. Living away from home in a foreign country gives you a completely different perspective. I was lucky enough to make heaps of local friends who showed me cool areas around Liverpool.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The university itself had many available resources through the library, and my specific classes had great lecturers who were always willing to help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had private housing with my partner and I felt this was a great way to be fully immersed into the culture. I made friends with many locals through my classes as everybody was so kind. By being friends with locals I was able to see parts of Liverpool and the surrounding areas which I would not have been exposed to otherwise.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I had heard negative things about Liverpool in the past, but I personally found it amazing. I always felt safe being on my own, even late at night. I visited many other cities in England and Liverpool was definitely my favourite.

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

There were about five universities in England I could have chosen for my exchange, and I am very happy I went with Liverpool. I had been to England before, but only to London and Manchester so did not know much about Liverpool. I chose it because of its close proximity to other cities, the cost of living (London was too expensive), and I enjoyed Manchester so wanted to be close. Liverpool exceeded my expectations! Locals were so nice which made me feel very welcome in what can be at some times and overwhelming experience.

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)

I found grocery shopping very cheap (on average 40 gbp per week for two of us), however, eating out was expensive. I found that I spent a lot more than I had anticipated on meals out with friends and drinks.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? On average $100 nzd weekly
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When I first landed in England I found that I was eating out all the time because it was new and exciting, however, I spent so much money those first few weeks when I did not need to. Stick to making your own food when it is just you, and save that money for going out with mates.

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The classes (modules) available
  • The locals
  • Ease of travel into Europe and around UK
* What could be improved?
  • Ways to meet other exchange students other than weekend trips far in advance.
  • Communication from exchange team
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I did not expect it to be so expensive to live. Being an exchange student from NZ I did not need a visa, but that meant I could not work. Constantly seeing savings decrease was hard, and I feel I could have saved a bit more prior to coming so I did not need to worry about that aspect.

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.'