What to Expect at Roehampton: An Alumni Perspective
Hear from a recent graduate of University of Roehampton who completed a degree in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies in 2019! Learn what it's really like living and studying in the exciting city of London. Not only does Roehampton have one of the most diverse student communities of any university in the UK, it also has a beautiful parkland campus located within walking distance of the historic royal park of Richmond. You'll get the inside scoop on student life at Roehampton in this webinar!
The Best of Both Worlds: An Introduction to the University of Roehampton
In this presentation you'll hear from the International Officer at the University of Roehampton and learn all about why Roehampton is a great option for international students. The university is considered London's "campus university" since it's the only London university with a self contained campus. You'll be able to enjoy all the bustling capital city has to offer, while still enjoying a community, campus environment with the greenery of Richmond park nearby. This is a must watch for anyone considering studying in London!
England is a whole new world
I found my entire time studying abroad to be life-changing. London, England is a whole new world in itself; with a much different culture, architecture, and atmosphere than my hometown of Austin, Texas. I choose to study at the University of Roehampton in London because it is a partner university that my home institution had worked with previously and I knew our education standards were similar; so the transition would be made slightly easier. Upon arriving at the University of Roehampton I was greeted by study abroad staff who lived in London for many years, they were kind and helpful when introducing us to our new home. As a political science major, I knew I wanted to indulge myself in the British world of politics, and at the time of my arrival, I was thrown into the political arena! At the time of my arrival, the Queen had just passed and the country was going through Prime Minister changes. These events encouraged me to stay focused on my mission of attaining as much knowledge on the politics of the country. I had the privilege to visit the Houses of Parliament at Westminster and attended a debate as well as joined political activists in a March against greenhouse emissions. Being in London was surreal to me, as the city is the epicenter of world culture, architecture, history and so much more! I knew I wanted to be involved within the city and travel to the surrounding areas to gain a better insight into England and the UK as a whole.
Throughout my time, I made many local friends who were more than happy to take me around London and to their hometowns to give me a taste of what their lives were like before moving to “London Town.” I had the chance to visit the quaint city of Bicester by train. Coming from the US, this was a new experience for me as I'm so used to driving everywhere. I must admit, I had an emotional moment on the way; I was able to sit and view the countryside. Taking this all in made me appreciate the opportunity I had been given as many people back home would and will not have the pleasure to view England's countryside, though it's something that we talked about in school and viewed on television. Another opportunity I am greatly thankful for was the opportunity to stay in the picture-perfect town of Lewes, England. When I received an extremely joyful invitation from my friend and her parents to stay with them over the break. I knew this was a special moment I would remember for the rest of my life. My entire time at their welcoming home was full of cultural exchanges, more than I had ever experienced in my life. I was introduced to marmalade, meat pies, Yorkshire puddings and so much more! We also discussed the politics of our countries and found we all share similar values and goals for the world that include inclusivity and equality. I stay in contact with my friend and her family to this day! I will forever cherish the memories and exchanges we shared, I could not have asked for a better family to invite me into their home.
I realized how much, not just the town of Lewes but the whole of the country felt like a home to me. Even in my accommodation, which was located on the ground floor of a 3 story building in a small complex on campus, I felt that I could be comfortable just as I would in my home back in the States. Though I shared a space with 3 other roommates, I befriended them and we got along so well that we had scheduled dinner nights every week. We'd cook tacos in our shared kitchen and recalled stories of our hometowns, this was made special by the fact that we were each from different countries! The exposure to different cultures like this was something I hadn't experienced before as I came from South Texas, which is predominantly Hispanic. I enjoyed our late-night talks and going to the local pub and discussed our stress levels for upcoming assignments and papers.
While at the University of Roehampton, the most noticeable difference in my education was that I only had class twice a week. This gave me a large chunk of free time during the week to complete assignments and travel. Most assignments were writing papers, which I love, and in-class discussions, in which I excel. My favorite course was my Political Philosophy class which focused on philosophers and their thoughts on politics, religion, and mankind. My professor, from Paris, was passionate about teaching and ensuring we understood the class discourse as well as our research paper, so he scheduled mandatory one-on-one meetings to ensure our readiness. We met through Zoom while I was visiting Paris and we discussed my research paper as well as places to visit in Paris. He understood the needs I had, as a study abroad student: getting accustomed to the grading system, academic practices, and of course indulging in my host country.
Though my time in London was limited, the memories are forever engrained and have become a part of who I am. The friends I made will always have a special place in my heart and I will continue to have contact with them, hoping to one day see them again; either in their home countries or in mine! I am thankful for the opportunity to study abroad and am entirely grateful to my home institution, St. Edward's University for encouraging me to explore. I couldn't have chosen a better host institution, the University of Roehampton, with its smaller campus size allowing me to meet and mingle with individuals from across the world with varying and insightful perspectives.
- Vince
THE STAFF WAS INCREDIBLY FRIENDLY
I loved being so close to so many beautiful European countries. All I had to do to get to Paris, Rome, Athens, or anywhere else, was pay anywhere from 30-200 pounds (very cheap compared to cross-continental flights) and catch whatever bus, train, or plane was cheapest!
I chose the University of Roehampton for its beautiful country landscapes and delicious meal plan. Everything I ate at Froebel college was the best thing I ever tasted.
The staff was incredibly friendly and everyone was super helpful when I didn’t understand things about the geography, culture, etc.
Just a short bus ride toward the Thames was the city of Putney which was so cute! There were markets and fruit stands and pastry shops lining the streets. Old book shops and coffee stands drew you in from miles away. It was quaint and clean and picturesque to spend a Saturday.
I’m a theater major at UCSD in America, so being in the cultural centerpoint, the New York City, of England was magical. I saw over 30 professional caliber plays and musicals. I went to ballets and operas. I got to rehearse and train in the city. It was beautiful.
- Clara
I WOULDN’T CHANGE IT FOR THE WORLD
Hi there! My name is Irene and I am a second-year student at Roehampton University in London. So far my experience here in London has been absolutely incredible; I’ve made amazing friends, travelled to thirteen new countries, and have had an experience of a lifetime– If you’re considering moving to London for university, I wouldn’t think twice!
Studying in the UK there is an excellent work-life-study balance. My education studies course at Roehampton is two days a week for 4-6 hours depending on the term/module load. This allows me to work on my days off of uni, and have plenty of time to study (and of course time to socialise, make friends etc.) I personally have really enjoyed this schedule and it has also allowed me to travel quite a bit, which is something I never could have done if I were to go to a school in the US.
Additionally, I have saved quite a bit of money by choosing to go to a UK school – an entire bachelors degree in the UK is roughly the price of one year at a state school in the US! Not to mention that a bachelors is only three years as opposed to four – saving you time and money on your education.
I choose Roehampton University because I really liked the campus; Roehampton is one of Londons only universities with a campus. Being a bit out of the hussle and bustle of the city, Roehampton is the perfect balance of city and nature. Roehampton is close to Richmond Park and there is plenty of green spaces in the area, but just one train away you’re in the center of London. I also feel that Roehampton has a great sense of community: there is a student bar with tons of fun social events, tons of societies that suit everyones’ different interests and overall just really nice people collectively.
My first year I lived in shared student accommodation. Roehampton has a large selection of accommodation, some more affordable than others, but overall really good accommodation. I lived in Chadwick Hall last year which was very very nice! I had my own room with my own bathroom and I shared a kitchen with nine other students. The kitchen was quite large and most of my flatmates were on different schedules so we had no problems with sharing. I now live in what the university considers ‘off campus student accommodation’ with two of my friends which I really enjoy and it ends up being much more cost efficient - but either way both experiences have been super enjoyable.
Overall, my experience in London has been absolutely fantastic and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
- Irene
