Popularity
The University houses a lot of world known events.
Last year, they hosted a couple of star-filled fashion shows.
They are also hosting a screenwriters festival with many famous names.
KSF
Kevin Spacey teaches a few master-classes here and offers a few scholarships.
Computers
I brought a computer here which broke. However, that hasn't been a problem. There are desktop computers everywhere to use for homework, and I've been using my phone for social networking and netflix and such. I am going to get a Macbook Pro though - most students have them. Just know that you will always have access to computers and printers.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Location
One of the best spots in London.
I personally would enjoy a metropolitan campus on the river - closer to Trafalger - but I can't complain about Regent's Park. The park is great with a lot of concerts and the open air theater. The stream running around the park is sometimes gross, because some places have a layer of green filth on the surface of the water. There are many squirls, cranes, and city birds.
It takes about two minutes walking to get to Baker Street.
The closest bars are the Volunteer and the Globe, which are both great. There is also the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and a lot of Sherlock Holmes themed shops/hotels. There are a couple of cafes, as well as Pizza Hut, Subway, McDonalds, Nandos, KFC, and a sushi place down Baker Street.
Baker Street Station is about 10 minutes from campus, and can take you to the tourist spots of London.
There aren't any great theater's near by, but you can get to Waterloo and other theater areas on the tube within just a few minutes.
The nearest cinema is also a little far, and is most easily reached by public transportation.
There are many tescos nearby, as well as other shopping markets.
Overall, it is an excellent place.
I personally would enjoy a metropolitan campus on the river - closer to Trafalger - but I can't complain about Regent's Park. The park is great with a lot of concerts and the open air theater. The stream running around the park is sometimes gross, because some places have a layer of green filth on the surface of the water. There are many squirls, cranes, and city birds.
It takes about two minutes walking to get to Baker Street.
The closest bars are the Volunteer and the Globe, which are both great. There is also the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and a lot of Sherlock Holmes themed shops/hotels. There are a couple of cafes, as well as Pizza Hut, Subway, McDonalds, Nandos, KFC, and a sushi place down Baker Street.
Baker Street Station is about 10 minutes from campus, and can take you to the tourist spots of London.
There aren't any great theater's near by, but you can get to Waterloo and other theater areas on the tube within just a few minutes.
The nearest cinema is also a little far, and is most easily reached by public transportation.
There are many tescos nearby, as well as other shopping markets.
Overall, it is an excellent place.
The teachers / classes / homework load
Teachers
Amazing (at least for me). I am in the Screenwriting and Producing program, and my teachers are extraordinary. They all know what they are talking about and always tell stories/go off on tangents that actually add to the lecture. They try to establish connections with the students and joke around, and are very inspiring and helpful.
I have only had 4 teachers, so I can't speak for everyone.
Course Schedule
Not a huge fan. I really like the classes I take, but I am not used to the British system. I only have class monday, tuesday, and wednesday, and technically only have 3 classes. I even asked student registry if I can take an elective or take other classes from the module, and they turned me down.
However, in my case, this free time has given me a chance to participate in extracurriculars, such as the newspaper staff and making outside films with students.
Homework Load
I'm a procrastinator, and will probably pay hard for this. We have no homework other that a couple of big projects that aren't due for a while. However, we are supposed to be working on those progressively. Overall, it is a pretty light load, though if you get a job, you may become pressed for time.
Once again, I take Screenwriting and Producing, so this might not apply to all classes.
Amazing (at least for me). I am in the Screenwriting and Producing program, and my teachers are extraordinary. They all know what they are talking about and always tell stories/go off on tangents that actually add to the lecture. They try to establish connections with the students and joke around, and are very inspiring and helpful.
I have only had 4 teachers, so I can't speak for everyone.
Course Schedule
Not a huge fan. I really like the classes I take, but I am not used to the British system. I only have class monday, tuesday, and wednesday, and technically only have 3 classes. I even asked student registry if I can take an elective or take other classes from the module, and they turned me down.
However, in my case, this free time has given me a chance to participate in extracurriculars, such as the newspaper staff and making outside films with students.
Homework Load
I'm a procrastinator, and will probably pay hard for this. We have no homework other that a couple of big projects that aren't due for a while. However, we are supposed to be working on those progressively. Overall, it is a pretty light load, though if you get a job, you may become pressed for time.
Once again, I take Screenwriting and Producing, so this might not apply to all classes.
The Campus / Dorms / Grounds
Exterior
If you've researched this school at all, you know how extraordinary the grounds are. It isn't a huge campus, but the main lawns are large enough for the whole student body. There are many gardens and "secret" places to sit and enjoy the beautiful park landscape. It is probably my favoirte part of the school's physicality.
The building is all brick with many vines crawling up the sides. There are a few balconies, giving it a classical look. Everything is fairly close to eachother too, which makes it easy to go to your dorm or get some food between classes.
The negative (but also a positive) is the campus is closed off from the park, surrounded by a fence. The gates lock around 7:30pm, so if you are going to be out like most students, you have to walk around the exterior to the front entrance (unlocked 24/7).
Dorms
If you are an incoming student or are studying abroad, I would reccomend staying in Reid Hall. You can walk to class in under a minute and quickly get to know the students. It is probably a 30 second walk to the caffeteria as well.
However, admitedly, the dorms are overpriced. Sharing with two other people costs you 270p a week (about $1700 a month). However, 70p of that goes towards a meal plan at the caffeteria (which I will get to soon). The beds are barable, and lenins are washed for free. One receives a blanket/sheet duo, a flat pillow, and that's about it. You have two pull out drawers under your bed with locks (for valuable items or laundry). You also have a standing wardrobe that connects to an extremely small desk. You can fit a laptop, but not much else. Half of the wardrobe is dedicated to hanging close, and is only about 16inches wide. The other half is 4 shelves, and there are also 3 drawers underneath. It seemed somewhat small but all my clothes fit. There are also very narrow shelves on the desk. You also get a lamp and a trashcan in the room. Most people have nice views but there is the occasional mesquito eater that flies in.
I had a problem with the outlets. I came a week after my roommates, and whereas they have multiple outlets right by their beds, I have no outlets. So I have to leave my phone on my desk to charge overnight.
You don't control the heat in your room either, but it hasn't been too cold. I would recommend buying a nice blanket when you arrive.
Laundry (at Reid Hall) is on the third floor (US - called the second floor in the UK). There are probably 10 washer and driers and there are always a few free ones. Washing is around 2p and drying is 1p, and there is a soap dispenser there so I believe soap might be 1p as well. Overall, it costs around 4p ($7) to do laundry.
The TV Area is on the ground floor right by reception. You have to turn off the tv at midnight most nights, but can always use the sitting area and the computers. The seats are like nice quality airport benches, rather than couches. There are also 6 computers and a printer/scanner. This is also where you receive your mail. You can rent DVDs from the library, and they have a decent collection. There is also satelite TV.
The Bathrooms are very good for dorm bathrooms. They are more modern and clean. The showers are individual stalls with a half glass door that is blurred. There is also a disabled bathroom, which we probably souldn't use but we do anyways. Here the shower is about the size of a dormroom and is quite private.
There isn't much partying in the dorms.
Each floor also has a very minimal kitchen with a mini fridge.
The faculty is extremely welcoming and helpful.
Overall, the interior of the dorms sort of reminds me of the economy class on an older cruiseline, and one could find a private room for the same size off campus for half the price (not in Regent's, but surrounding areas). I've had a good time.
Food (most importantly)
The Refactory (main caffeteria): Lots of complaints. I've eaten here a lot, but am not that satisfied. The meals are very hommy - ranging from curry to meat pies to burritos. They also have vegetarian options. The main meal usually costs 4p ($7) and you can add sides. If you want sides and a drink, you will be paying about 8p ($14) a meal. This is an extremely bad deal, because you can walk down to baker street and have a nice meal for the same price. The problem is that if you have a dorm room, you are made to have the 70p a week meal plan, so you can't eat cheaply.
Most students who have lived in London and are experienced shoppers spend around 150p a month (what a spend in 2 weeks) or less.
There is a Deli right by the refactory where you can get a nice cooked sandwhich for 3p50.
There is also a decent starbucks, though it is small and crowded.
Outside of the refactory is a very nice cafe with coffee, tea, and beer. The room is woodsy and comfortable.
There is also the Brasserie, which is for the wealthy students. Just the main plate is around 8p, but is served like a 5 star (ok maybe 4 star) resturaunt. Not many people eat there, but it is a small, nice atmosphere.
The Student Bar is great. It is a calm environment where both the teachers and students socialise. Drinks are the same price as most bars, and you could get a nice pizza for 5p.
Overall, the price of on campus food has convinced me to move off campus next semester. But if you have the money, there is a lot of great variety.
The School's Interior
Doesn't match the outside, but isn't bad. The flooring is pretty cheap making parts look a little dingy, but there are also parts (like the stairwell and the old part of the library) with England Charm.
The classrooms are clean and personal.
The student areas are excellent with a lot of seating and study spaces.
The library is a little small but well stocked - and has lots of computers.
The Media Center is one of my favorite places. Once again, it is small, but well stocked. They have great equipment you can rent out (though you are limited your first year). The editing lab is excellent - about 15 individual Imacs with the adobe suite and I believe final cut too.
I haven't seen the piano room or dance studio, but have heard only positive things.
There is no longer a gym, but students are petitioning to bring it back.
However, when you first arrive, the way the buildings are set and all connected could be very confusing, but you get used to it.
I still haven't seen everything but I liked the parts I have.
If you've researched this school at all, you know how extraordinary the grounds are. It isn't a huge campus, but the main lawns are large enough for the whole student body. There are many gardens and "secret" places to sit and enjoy the beautiful park landscape. It is probably my favoirte part of the school's physicality.
The building is all brick with many vines crawling up the sides. There are a few balconies, giving it a classical look. Everything is fairly close to eachother too, which makes it easy to go to your dorm or get some food between classes.
The negative (but also a positive) is the campus is closed off from the park, surrounded by a fence. The gates lock around 7:30pm, so if you are going to be out like most students, you have to walk around the exterior to the front entrance (unlocked 24/7).
Dorms
If you are an incoming student or are studying abroad, I would reccomend staying in Reid Hall. You can walk to class in under a minute and quickly get to know the students. It is probably a 30 second walk to the caffeteria as well.
However, admitedly, the dorms are overpriced. Sharing with two other people costs you 270p a week (about $1700 a month). However, 70p of that goes towards a meal plan at the caffeteria (which I will get to soon). The beds are barable, and lenins are washed for free. One receives a blanket/sheet duo, a flat pillow, and that's about it. You have two pull out drawers under your bed with locks (for valuable items or laundry). You also have a standing wardrobe that connects to an extremely small desk. You can fit a laptop, but not much else. Half of the wardrobe is dedicated to hanging close, and is only about 16inches wide. The other half is 4 shelves, and there are also 3 drawers underneath. It seemed somewhat small but all my clothes fit. There are also very narrow shelves on the desk. You also get a lamp and a trashcan in the room. Most people have nice views but there is the occasional mesquito eater that flies in.
I had a problem with the outlets. I came a week after my roommates, and whereas they have multiple outlets right by their beds, I have no outlets. So I have to leave my phone on my desk to charge overnight.
You don't control the heat in your room either, but it hasn't been too cold. I would recommend buying a nice blanket when you arrive.
Laundry (at Reid Hall) is on the third floor (US - called the second floor in the UK). There are probably 10 washer and driers and there are always a few free ones. Washing is around 2p and drying is 1p, and there is a soap dispenser there so I believe soap might be 1p as well. Overall, it costs around 4p ($7) to do laundry.
The TV Area is on the ground floor right by reception. You have to turn off the tv at midnight most nights, but can always use the sitting area and the computers. The seats are like nice quality airport benches, rather than couches. There are also 6 computers and a printer/scanner. This is also where you receive your mail. You can rent DVDs from the library, and they have a decent collection. There is also satelite TV.
The Bathrooms are very good for dorm bathrooms. They are more modern and clean. The showers are individual stalls with a half glass door that is blurred. There is also a disabled bathroom, which we probably souldn't use but we do anyways. Here the shower is about the size of a dormroom and is quite private.
There isn't much partying in the dorms.
Each floor also has a very minimal kitchen with a mini fridge.
The faculty is extremely welcoming and helpful.
Overall, the interior of the dorms sort of reminds me of the economy class on an older cruiseline, and one could find a private room for the same size off campus for half the price (not in Regent's, but surrounding areas). I've had a good time.
Food (most importantly)
The Refactory (main caffeteria): Lots of complaints. I've eaten here a lot, but am not that satisfied. The meals are very hommy - ranging from curry to meat pies to burritos. They also have vegetarian options. The main meal usually costs 4p ($7) and you can add sides. If you want sides and a drink, you will be paying about 8p ($14) a meal. This is an extremely bad deal, because you can walk down to baker street and have a nice meal for the same price. The problem is that if you have a dorm room, you are made to have the 70p a week meal plan, so you can't eat cheaply.
Most students who have lived in London and are experienced shoppers spend around 150p a month (what a spend in 2 weeks) or less.
There is a Deli right by the refactory where you can get a nice cooked sandwhich for 3p50.
There is also a decent starbucks, though it is small and crowded.
Outside of the refactory is a very nice cafe with coffee, tea, and beer. The room is woodsy and comfortable.
There is also the Brasserie, which is for the wealthy students. Just the main plate is around 8p, but is served like a 5 star (ok maybe 4 star) resturaunt. Not many people eat there, but it is a small, nice atmosphere.
The Student Bar is great. It is a calm environment where both the teachers and students socialise. Drinks are the same price as most bars, and you could get a nice pizza for 5p.
Overall, the price of on campus food has convinced me to move off campus next semester. But if you have the money, there is a lot of great variety.
The School's Interior
Doesn't match the outside, but isn't bad. The flooring is pretty cheap making parts look a little dingy, but there are also parts (like the stairwell and the old part of the library) with England Charm.
The classrooms are clean and personal.
The student areas are excellent with a lot of seating and study spaces.
The library is a little small but well stocked - and has lots of computers.
The Media Center is one of my favorite places. Once again, it is small, but well stocked. They have great equipment you can rent out (though you are limited your first year). The editing lab is excellent - about 15 individual Imacs with the adobe suite and I believe final cut too.
I haven't seen the piano room or dance studio, but have heard only positive things.
There is no longer a gym, but students are petitioning to bring it back.
However, when you first arrive, the way the buildings are set and all connected could be very confusing, but you get used to it.
I still haven't seen everything but I liked the parts I have.
Intro
A few weeks ago, I started my first year at RUL. I am from the United States, and like most students, I was unsure what the school was going to be like. There is some information and photos online, but, before I arrived, I was still about 10% sure that the school didn't exist.
Don't worry though, it does, and I wanted to describe the school a little more from my personal experience to help students who are looking at schools.
Don't worry though, it does, and I wanted to describe the school a little more from my personal experience to help students who are looking at schools.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)