I spent a whole year, i.e. 10 months, in London at London South Bank University and I can say that it was the best time of my life so far.
Application process
The application process itself was very easy, everything went through relatively quickly and planning wasn’t necessary as far in advance as I initially feared. Since London South Bank University is not an elite university, I also think that anyone who applies properly there has more than good prospects of being accepted. At the beginning I decided on this university in London mainly because of the TOEFL test, as I had already completed it.
Accommodation
When I got the approval, I continued looking for an apartment, with which one is strongly supported by the LSBU. There are four different student residences, all of which are very close to the university, but cannot be compared in terms of quality. But this is also very easy to read from the price of the respective room. A local friend was very dissatisfied with the cheapest room; she had about 12 square meters to herself and the toilet, bathroom and kitchen were shared with five boys. I myself opted for a single apartment. Since the university itself does not offer single apartments in its dormitories, I was referred to two “private” student accommodation services. I stayed at the Dashwood Studios and can only recommend them more than with Community Roof terrace with a view of the London Eye included and only a maximum of five minutes’ walk from the university buildings / campus.
Introductory week
The first introductory days at the university were well organized, we did a rally through the city after we got to know the university. The highlight of the introductory week was definitely the party boat at the end, with which we drove over the Thames during sunset and marveled at Tower Bridge, etc. from the boat.
Education
The modules I took there were very interesting in terms of content, more detailed and more practice-oriented than at my home university. However, the standard was generally lower than at my home university, which was not reflected in the grades, because here grading is just like in school and an attempt is made to get a good average within the “class” and thus all grades in medium grade range were awarded.
Nevertheless, I was actually very satisfied with the modules. At LSBU, the courses are much more specific than at my home university and I then decided to go into the marketing area, which is why I had to choose three modules from the marketing area for two semesters. According to Iamaccepted, a big choice was not possible because you have to take three modules and four to five modules are offered. You have these modules with the same class of mostly 30-40 students (at least this applies to the higher semesters, the modules from the lower semesters have a larger number of students). Per module you have two hours of lectures and two hours of seminars, usually one after the other on one day, which then leads to three days at university. Of course, this enables even more to explore London !
Catering
The cafeteria at the university is also ok, but there is a small café directly opposite the main university building, which is hardly more expensive and tastes much better with a daily changing lunch menu. What is also very tasty and healthy is Pret-a-Manger, but expensive, but not far from the university (as well as Subway, Starbucks, McDonalds, etc.).
care, support
After the introductory days, the support from the university rapidly decreased. Personally, however, I also do a lot on my own, which is why that didn’t bother me. There were a few possibilities for excursions to Windsor and Co. Or an evening in the musical “Les Miserables”. Of course, everything for a fee, but cheaper than booked privately.
Campus location
What surprised me a lot was the amazing location of the university. The London Eye could be reached on foot in 20 minutes, which is really very close for London and the bus / tube rides were also more than bearable. Here I would always recommend taking the bus as far as possible, because firstly you can see a lot more of the city and secondly the subway is oozing with germs and really isn’t fun for anyone.
The only negative thing about the situation is if you walk in the “wrong” direction. In the opposite direction to the London Eye, a ghetto-like district begins, where you can walk around during the day without hesitation, but my student accommodation strongly advised me not to stay there in the evening. But thanks to Uber and Co. you don’t have to and the bars / pubs in London aren’t open that long, so you can still experience the nightlife.
Hospitalization
Another negative point of my stay in London was my hospitalization. I had a kidney infection, which I unfortunately only noticed when I could no longer stand on my feet and had breathing problems. I waited over two hours for the ambulance and in the hospital itself I sat in the crowded waiting room for six hours and then lay in the corridor with pain medication for eight hours.
All in all, I was in the hospital for a whole week and it was absolute horror and in no way comparable to the German hospitals, making it even more difficult that I was treated incorrectly. The fact is that all care there is completely free, but this is also reflected in the treatment. In retrospect, I can recommend everyone to call the private rescue service and have them taken to a private hospital if the emergency arises, as this is also covered by the international health insurance. It is best to write out all the numbers beforehand!
Conclusion
I can only warmly recommend London itself, the city is the most open, the most mixed and tolerant city that I was allowed to get to know and living there is a completely different feeling than just being a tourist there.
