Feel Free To Ask

It is possible to contact us because we are privileged as scholarship holders to write contributions to the Foundation's website. Upon agreement to publish the conversation, I will share with you answers to questions from a potential student in the UK.

1) Honestly, I'm a little worried about studying in London, a big city, a lot of people, noisy, what is the campus like, etc.

It’s difficult to answer your because I don’t know from which town you are from. I came to London from a town with 50,000 inhabitants, which is a different starting point in comparison to people from Prague. I like to respond to this question as follows:  you can create your small town, even if you live in the huge city of London. I mean by this that everyone normally lives only in a small part of London like if I live in a small town. It is true that the streets around the campus can be busy, especially when students move from one lesson to another. As can be seen in the map, students move most commonly within the red frame. The Department of Economics is located in Drayton House, which is near the very busy Euston Street. The campus is not a fortified castle and the buildings are accessible from public streets, where the locals, students, tourists, etc. mix together. In this video,  you can see the campus. In contrast, the university buildings are not noisy. UCL offers countless places to study in the library (where you cannot talk) and in other rooms.

2) Could I ask you about accommodation? I know that if I accept UCL as my 1st choice, I should get a place in university’s student halls. Could you recommend me something?

I didn't stay in UCL halls. I know from my friends that the university offers accommodation in the city quarter Camden, which is not very safe (especially for girls). I lived in Nutford House, for two years, which I can highly recommend. University of London also offers other accommodation options. Last but not least, my friends are happy with Newman House, where you can live if you are a Catholic.

3) What is the academic quality of the university?

It is hard to answer this question because I don’t have any comparison. Maybe the Top Universities ranking or the The World University Rankings will help. I cannot talk about the level of scientific research because I study foreign languages, but I am satisfied with the professors’ methodology of teaching using modern technology (Moodle system) and with the number of students at seminars. I am also very satisfied with the Anglo-Saxon style of teaching.

4) Is UCL the right choice?  I understand that it is subjective, but I’m mainly interested in the student perspective.

I applied to five universities via UCAS and I was accepted by the majority of them. However, I did not attend their Open Days, so I cannot compare them. UCL ranks high among other universities: lectures and seminars contribute to each other, professors are experts in their field, the number of students per seminar (under 20) allows discussion. The campus offers easy-to-access libraries (convenient places to study and books), access to online books and journal articles. There are countless student clubs and events. Then university cares not only about students’ academic development, but also about your mental health, career and finance to go abroad. This complex service confirms for me that my money are well invested.

5) The cost of living in London is probably astronomical, I honestly come from somewhat poorer conditions and I might not be able to afford the study.

First of all, I would recommend researching  all the financing options and always choosing a better university. UCL Undergraduate Bursary is automatically given to eligible students. You can equally apply for UCL Financial Assistance Fund and other scholarships. In the Czech Republic, you might want to apply to the Bakala Foundation or to The Kellner Family Foundation.

UCL halls are in walking distance from the main campus, therefore, higher transport costs can be reduced. If you look for a part-time job, JobShop offers positions in UCLU (school cafes, bars, shops,…) and others. Unfortunately, you have to log in to your student account to apply for the advertised vacancies. However, the study is time consuming and UCL offers free time (student clubs, lectures, etc.).

6) This is only ancillary, but is there a possibility to row at the university?

These activities are organised by UCLU (Student Union of UCL). Information about all student clubs is available here: Clubs and Societies. Specifically for your inquiry are at the Boat Club (RUMS) and Boat Club.

 

 

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