University of the West of England

Bristol, England

University of West of England is an International Partnership University, which allows VCU students to study in Bristol, England for a semester or a year. Currently, students can choose from courses in biology, chemistry, forensic science, and psychology at UWE. Students pay tuition to VCU, along with a program fee, and then pay their room and board directly to UWE.

Curriculum: The exact courses you will take should be discussed with the UWE coordinator, but in general you can take courses in biology, chemistry, forensic science and psychology. VCU Education Abroad maintains a list of courses that have already been approved to transfer back to VCU. If you want to take a course that is not on this list, your academic adviser can help to approve the course.

Q. I am a biology major but want to take an English literature class while I am at UWE. Is this possible?
A. It is very difficult to take classes outside of the department at UWE. The UK higher education system is different in that students enter the university to study their major subject only. Therefore, students planning to study at UWE should arrange to fulfill their general education requirements before or after their program at UWE.

Q. How many classes will I take while at UWE?
A. Classes at UWE are called modules. Typically, students enroll in at least six modules. Some of these modules last for two semesters, or one academic year. Students coming for the second semester only may join in the second half of the year-long modules. Students should register for the equivalent of 60 UK credits for each semester to earn 15 VCU credits.

Transfer of credit: Students must earn the equivalent of a C grade or higher in a given course to be eligible for transfer credit. Students are required to take the necessary steps to ensure that transcripts are received from the university upon return to VCU. Your grades at UWE will not be calculated in to your GPA, unless you are attempting to graduate with Latin honors. Studying at UWE requires you to be organized and independent, because many classes are self-paced.

Academic Calendar:
Fall semester: Late September until early January
Spring semester: Mid-January until mid-May

Q. Can I come for a year? How about one semester or for the fall semester only?
A. We encourage students to study abroad for the entire academic year. You will get to know your surroundings better and meet many friends during your stay. Students can also study for one semester; however students should study during the spring semester due to the academic calendar at UWE.

Housing: There are different types of housing at UWE. An option is on-campus housing at the Frenchay campus, which can be shared nice dormitories or shared houses. The advantage is that students are near their classes. This option is located about five miles from Bristol’s downtown, and students can easily get there by bus. Other housing options in the downtown area include city centre apartments. The third option is to live in off-campus housing managed by the university and shared with other students. These off-campus houses are located around the city. The final option is to rent a room in a private home. We recommend that students stay at the on-campus housing at the Frenchay campus, as students will be able to integrate with British students easily and will be near their classes.

Q. Will I live with other American students?
A. If you stay in the dorm, you will likely live with British students. Other VCU students in the same program will be in similar accommodations nearby.

Q. Do I have to find my own housing?
A. You can if you would like, but we recommend that you complete the housing application and use the housing services at UWE.

Q. How much does the housing cost?
A. This varies depending on the type of housing. Prices will be provided by the Accommodations Services at UWE. Rent usually starts around 300 pounds per month, or $600.

Costs: Academic tuition for VCU students is based on VCU tuition and fees. Room and board are paid directly to UWE.

Q. How much does the program really cost?
A. As an exchange student to UWE, you will pay tuition to VCU, plus a program fee of $100. You will be responsible for paying for your own airfare, housing, meals, insurance, living expenses, and passport and visa fees. Remember that the British pound is worth twice as much as the dollar, so you will want to budget carefully.

Q. Can I work while I am at UWE to earn extra money?
A. International students in the UK can work up to 20 hours per week. However, we strongly recommend that you have all of the funding for your trip before you travel to UWE.

Q. I’ve never traveled before. How am I going to get to Bristol, England?
Students can fly directly to Bristol, where they will be met by the host coordinator. Alternatively, students can fly to London and then catch a train that goes to Bristol.

To apply: Applications should be submitted to VCU Education Abroad by April 15 for the fall and October 1 for the spring. Applicants should complete the UWE application form, VCU application for study abroad, and the UWE accommodations form. Students should submit a transcript, cover letter, letter of recommendation and nomination from their department. These forms are available at the Education Abroad Office, 916 West Franklin Street. Students must have a 3.0 GPA to apply. Students are selected on the basis of their academic record and emotional maturity.

Q. What do I do next?
A. The next step is to talk to an education abroad adviser. You may e-mail us at abroad@vcu.edu or call 827-7882 to set up an appointment. We’ll answer your questions and guide you through the application process.

For more information about the University of the West of England:
Visit www.uwe.ac.uk for general information about the university.
Visit www.uwe.ac.uk/international/ for information for international students at UWE.

Top tips from VCU students who have studied at UWE, Bristol

• Bring a camera – invest in a digital one because there are lots to photograph.
• Definitely bring your laptop.
• Bring pictures of family and friends as you might get homesick and it’ll make your home in Bristol brighter.
• Get involved in activities here. It is the best way to meet people.
• To get your flights, look on expedia.com for the best offers.
• Be sociable and talk to people. English people are more reserved than Americans and many have already formed social groups. But don’t let this put you off and they will become sociable once they get to know you.
• Try to meet with VCU students who have been to UWE.
• Study Abroad offers lots of advantages: it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to be a student abroad. It allows you to take certain classes ahead of time; studying at a foreign university makes you more rounded and it offers the chance to travel around the UK and Europe. Stay in student villages if possible. It’s a higher price, but is much easier and cleaner.
• A yearlong stay would be great and it’s easier on the students and faculty due to their yearlong courses (example: organic).
• Begin saving money well in advance. Beware; the exchange rate is not in favor of the dollar at the moment!
• Future students do not need to take dining or kitchenware if they live in the student village. Buy your linens there.
• The cost of the bus to the city center is going to go down greatly
• Travel at every chance.
• Bring jackets.