London Roehampton

Studying abroad was quite honestly the best decision I've ever made! Upon deciding whether I COULD do it beforehand, I was truthfully scared. I'd always imagined this ridiculously expensive experience that would bring me nothing but stress and anxiety. However, upon learning about USAC and their Summer programs, I realized it was much more accessible than I'd ever imagined. Then, I took the leap and applied, and realized quickly that my Summer in London was the best Summer I've ever lived. USAC itself was amazing in keeping in contact, creating such a safe space that made me feel welcome and protected! Then there was just being in London; the city was MAGICAL and I made some amazing new friends! We ate, explored, travelled, and did so much more than I could have ever expected! By complete surprise, one friend and I even stumbled upon the LONDON PREMIERE of our favorite show, and we actually got invited into the red carpet where we could see and greet our favorite stars! THAT WAS AMAZING! Beyond that, we went to two concerts, spent a weekend in Paris, and had amazing evenings out in the city. Studying abroad was truthfully the best experience I've ever lived, and I'd give anything to live it again!

Staff was supportive, but let us do our own things. I wish I got the chance to talk more with domestic students, but I understand it’s hard in a short term summer program. Professor was nice, but expectations were sometimes confusing but he was willing to clarify. Overall had a good time, but be prepared to do a lot of recreational things solo and build in breaks in your schedule. Highly recommend! Adjustment was a lot, but totally worth it. Try to find a friend to navigate the tube and grocery shopping for a list the first time. Also, check your junk email! I ended up missing some things because I didn’t. You will be 30min.-1hr away from most tourist destinations.

I studied abroad in London through the USAC program for 6 weeks over the summer. I was so excited because USAC advertised the school as in the countryside and scenic and quiet. I didn't realize at the time that its quiet because its over an hour away from the actual part of the city students actually wanted to go. I thought that we would stay at the Met London or any other university in the city. My expectations were crushed when I arrived at the school. It took two bus rides and an even longer train ride to get there. I gave it at a chance at first, and then the school Roehampton put me in a dorm on the opposite side of campus away from everyone in my program (racism maybe?). I finally got moved after acting like a complete Karen. The welcome dinner was absolutely atrocious. I can't believe they would even call that food. Rip off chipotle really. The dorms were prison cells, so small, the heater would not work, gnats, flies, whatever else kinds of bugs crawled through the drain. I found two roaches on my floor, no elevators and had to carry two very heavy suitcases up 3 flights of stairs. No meal plan provided even though we paid over $8,000 for this program, which also did NOT include flight (rip off). The laundry machines barely worked half the time, and always stole your money. Security entered my room once WITHOUT consent while I was sleeping. Someone kept stealing food, and Roehampton did absolutely nothing about it. The education was a joke. The only good thing I can think of that came out this school was the asian man who made me vanilla ice lattes in the morning and always had a nice conversation with at the library cafe, and my advisor Dara who always reached out.