Field of study in Wageningen: Economics and Governance
Study period exchange: 01/2023 – 06/2023
Country (exchange): United Kingdom
City (exchange): Leicester
University (exchange): University of Leicester
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
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- Looking for something new
- Improve my English language capabilities
- Meeting new people
- Experiencing new culture
- Living abroad out of comfort zone
- Explore how politics/economics in other countries is taught
- Doing fun stuff and creating memories
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
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- I have always been loving the UK and its culture.
- One of my chief aims of the exchange was to improve my English usage hence England.
- Leicester is the biggest city I could go to in the UK.
- Leicester is conveniently located in the UK.
- Leicester is a great place to live.
- University of Leicester is adequate
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
Preferably take the train if your finances allow, because it allows you to carry all your stuff at one time without additional baggage fees. Otherwise take the plain to Luton. You could also take the Flixbus if you fancy.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
A Term exists of 10 weeks (much shorter than in Wageningen) in these weeks there are usually 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of seminar per week per course. After these ten weeks there is time to do revision, write essays and prepare for exams. Academic level is somewhat lower than at wur so is the workload. My examination existed merely out of essay writing, so no exams.
What is the culture of the university?
Culture is much different from Wageningen, since Wageningen has an extremely buzzling student life. Student life in England exists more of going to the pub. You can join a society comparable to a Wageningen student sport society, which is advisable imo. Additionally, the international Erasmus group is cool. Everyone in the UK is very friendly and approachable. You won’t experience any type of discrimination and the language barrier is of a minor proportion. I primarily hanged out with a British group which I really loved. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as ESN so for trips and other activities you need to take initiative yourself.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
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- Sport societies are very nice
- Night club on campus
- Activities with accommodation residents every day
- Laundry facilities (2 pounds)
- Personal tutor
Briefly, they take care of you and are keen to help you.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
University accommodation is supreme. Almost all international students opt for that it saves you a hassle with a potential landlord. You can either live in the city or the village. I would advise to live in the city if your budget allows it, since the life there is much more vibrant and almost all international students live there.
What is the culture of the country like?
Pretty different obviously the British politeness. But Leicester is also much more diverse in culture than Wageningen. All ethnicities and different backgrounds are intermixed in friend groups and the class room.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
Depends on where you live in the village it is equally expensive in the city it is like Utrecht prices.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
Just walk everywhere biking is not really a thing. If you live in the village the Uni will provide a free shuttle bus to campus. Public transportation is decent Ubers are cheap and trains are excellent for daytrips, but do not forget to purchase a railcard to save a lot.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Leicester is a lovely place and do not hesitate to go to London, Nothingham, Cambridge, etc.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
I don’t know, I did the obvious thing and loved that.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
Take initiative to do things with random people don’t be shy. People will love that and more doors will open at a later stage of the exchange.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
I did not experience real challenges.
What was your best memory abroad?
Just the experience as a whole. Feel like a British citizen for a few months, learn a lot and meet the best people.
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Thijs more questions about his exchange?
Send him a mail: Thijssweers23@gmail.com