Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Large university experience July 24, 2026

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/01/2026 to 06/13/2026 with

University of Manchester: Manchester - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to have fun on a budget and take advantage of my time abroad as much as I could.

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.

I thought my courses were difficult, but far easier to manage than those at my home institution.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I didn't have much experience with the administration, but whenever I had an issue I could find someone to talk to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed my room and the amenities but would have prefered better a cleaner bathroom situation.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't think the exchange program made much of an effort to connect us with other people or the University of Manchester community. Had to seek those things on my own.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

It was a very central location, convenient for exploring the UK and international travel

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 was very mindful of my spending because the Pound-to-Dollar conversion cost me a lot of extra money, and the cost of living in the UK felt higher than I was accustomed to.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be very mindful and budget ahead of time, but try to enjoy yourself!

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Housing
  • Location
  • Weather
* What could be improved?
  • Food & Dining
  • More community events
  • More initial communications from host university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It wasn't nearly as scary as I thought it'd be.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.