GO TO SUSSEX! You won't regret it! Past Review

By (Government, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/22/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

University of Sussex: Brighton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was probably the best decision I made my entire college career.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

School in England is very different compared to the way that UT Austin teaches but it is still academically rigorous and challenging in its own way. It's hard at first but if you keep up with all the readings and lecture, the final essays are not so bad to write.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Study Abroad office was especially helpful. They answered any questions I had right away, were friendly, and their planned activities for new students was amazing.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Honestly, I loved my dorm on campus. It was in a beautiful part of the school (Northfield) and relatively close to the actual lecture halls (about 7 min away).

* Food:

I prepared all my own food so it was cost effective and also a great way to bond with the flatmates. All food can be ordered online to your door from large supermarkets such as Tesco so you don't even have to worry about going into town and lugging all the groceries back.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The students are brilliantly friendly and welcoming. They love getting to know you and generally want to have fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was only sick once with a cold but the on-campus pharmacy was easily accessible and I was able to buy the medicine I needed without any problems.

* Safety:

Brighton/Sussex is a relatively safe city. With any place you have to be aware of your surroundings, and try not to stay out too late alone. Basically just be safe in your decisions about going out.

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

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)

The cost of living is pretty expensive in England. But if you really wanted to you could live on a similar budget as in Austin. I personally choose to take advantage of the unique traveling experiences being in Europe offered.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Learning about British History
* What could be improved?
  • A little more information about what is to be expected grade wise.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To really save up before going if I wanted to travel as much as I did.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.