I LOVED UNI OF WESTMINSTER! I AM COMING BACK! Past Review

By (Sarah Lawrence College) - abroad from 09/16/2019 to 05/22/2020 with

University of Westminster: London - Study Abroad Semester or Year with an Optional Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was totally worthwhile. I learned how to be by myself in a new place.

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.

I don't think I was super challenged with the academics, but that could be because I was only allowed to take certain classes. It was a nice break from the nonstop work at my college but I did enjoy writing all the papers at the end. The resources they offer are AMAZING! Whether it be finding work or help with academics, they have access to so many things I wish I had this at my school.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Admin at this school is amazing. They get back to you almost right away. They are there to help and you feel that! This school is 100% for the students and that makes the experience even better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was put in the brand new dorms and they were fantastic. I have never lived in such an enjoyable dorm. The single bathroom is so nice. I loved it. They actually put you in a LIVEABLE and ENJOYABLE space.

* Food:

I liked the food. I usually ate from the little cafe in the front of the forum, super delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived in Harrow so I was pretty far from central but honestly, by the end of your time there you love Harrow. I miss it so much :(

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare in the UK rocks and I had such an easier time getting help (not to mention cheaper) than I would have at home.

* Safety:

I'd say everything is pretty safe but there was an incident where someone was trying to break into the dorms but that's not the school's fault and they emailed us letting us know to be careful.

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

I just loved it so much. The school is great, London is great. It has such a special place in my heart.

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)

You really have to budget, London is expensive. I certainly was VERY bad at budgeting my first semester and then I really did a better job second semester (we got sent home early so I can't compare exactly how much less I spent). I lived in Harrow so since I was far from Central I always had to take the tube to do anything. Cooking for yourself is ideal because eating out is expensive. It's hard because you want to go out and have fun but everything is so expensive!! I suggest writing out a budget plan and sticking to it.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around $150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Write a budget plan!! Trust me!! It's so easy to overspend in England. Life there is so fun but no one wants to run out of money. I wrote one for myself every week. Realistically as you settle in the first two weeks you're gonna drop the most money but after that it'll get easier.

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Reliable admin
  • clean dorms/school
  • i loved london
* What could be improved?
  • abroad student social events - it could feel a but lonely
  • do we really need weekly fire alarms...
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The metropolitan line is not 24hr. And then I think everything else you kinda find out as you go.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.