Belana Schulz: affiliate testimonial

I had the unique opportunity to spend a semester abroad at University College London (UCL) during Term 1. At that time, I was in the fifth semester of my Bachelor of Science in Economics. The thought of living alone in a foreign country for several months initially felt daunting, but in hindsight, my concerns were completely unfounded. Why? Let me explain.

When I arrived in London at the end of September and set foot on UCL’s campus for the first time, I was instantly impressed. The central location makes it incredibly convenient, and the campus itself offers everything a student could need—especially the coffee and snacks, which I can highly recommend!

The first week at UCL was dedicated entirely to introductory events for exchange students, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow international students and start building connections right away. The Affiliates Office did an excellent job organizing everything, ensuring that by the end of the week, we had all the necessary information to smoothly transition into our studies.

One aspect I particularly appreciated was the flexibility in choosing modules. Students could change their course selections multiple times, which was helpful in case a module wasn’t the right one or had already been covered at our home university. A big thank you
to Rebecca, Peter and Frank from the Affiliates Office, who were always quick to respond and incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. No matter the issue, they were always approachable and ready to help.

The academic experience at UCL was both challenging and inspiring, quite different from what I was used to at my home university. The teaching style is very liberal and interactive, with professors strongly encouraging discussions and student participation. Tutorials
were limited to a maximum of 10 students, creating an ideal environment for in-depth academic exchange.

A key aspect of studying at UCL is the emphasis on “learning by doing”. Weekly assessments ensured that we stayed on track and were well-prepared for the exams. Additionally, a strong focus was placed on academic writing, which was reflected in the number of research papers we were required to submit. One of my favorite modules was Gender and Ethnicity in the Economy, as it was deeply focusing on current research and real-world applications, making the content highly engaging and relevant. I would also highly recommend taking a module from a different department, as it not only broadens your knowledge but also allows you to meet students from different departments. The atmosphere at UCL is incredibly positive and motivating. Everyone is genuinely passionate about their studies and driven to succeed. One thing that stood out to me was the high number of female academics, which was both inspiring and encouraging, reinforcing the importance of diversity in academia. The atmosphere is hard to put into words—you simply have to experience it yourself.

I decided to join two clubs run by UCL student union: Yoga and Pole Fitness—both great opportunities to meet new people. On top of that, it was a great way to stay active. I especially enjoyed Pole Fitness, as it was so much fun, and the pole instructor was incredibly cool and kind. 

I stayed in an accommodation in Islington, which I booked through Londonist. The location was ideal, as I could hop onto the Piccadilly Line and reach Russell Square in just two stops. Living there also allowed me to meet many new people, making my time in London even more enjoyable.

There’s no denying that living in London is expensive, but I would invest that money again without hesitation. Every time I walked through London or across the UCL campus, I felt nothing but gratitude for having the chance to experience this city and study at such a prestigious university. If you ever have the opportunity to study at UCL, I highly recommend taking it. In my case, I was fortunate to receive multiple scholarships to finance my semester abroad, which made this incredible experience possible.

London is an amazing city to live in, and I have to admit—if I had the chance, I would move there permanently. The British people were always friendly and welcoming, making me feel at home right away. Walking along the Thames was an experience every single time,
and Greenwich quickly became my go-to place. London truly has everything you could ever need, from cultural diversity to endless opportunities for exploration.

Studying at UCL was an unforgettable experience, both academically and personally. It challenged me, broadened my perspectives, and gave me the chance to connect with people from all over the world. If you ever have the opportunity to study at one of the world’s top universities, take it—you won’t regret it!