City St George's, University of London — Attraction in London

International Student Registration Process

As an incoming international student at City, University of London, I feel compelled to share my observations regarding the preliminary registration process. Please note that this review is focused specifically on the initial stages of registration and does not reflect my overall experience with the university.

Communication Challenges:

One of the most significant hurdles I’ve encountered is the difficulty in contacting representatives from departments dealing with funding, student loans, and tuition for international students. Despite multiple attempts, I have been unable to reach anyone via phone, and the switchboard operators have been unable to assist effectively. This lack of direct communication has made the process of finalising my transition to the UK overwhelmingly stressful.

Response Times:

When emails are sent, students are advised to wait 5 to 10 business days for a response. Unfortunately, responses received are often insufficient, requiring further clarification and additional waiting time. This cycle of waiting and uncertainty has been particularly frustrating given the approaching start of the academic term.

Registration Timing:

We are nearing the start of the academic year, and yet critical registration issues remain unresolved. The process, which began in early August, has not seen the necessary progress, with less than two weeks until term starts. This delay is concerning, especially considering the high stakes and expenses involved for international students.

Suggestions for Improvement:

Enhanced Communication Channels: It would be beneficial for the university to improve their communication channels. This could include having dedicated staff to handle international student inquiries during peak registration periods.

Increased Staffing: Given the volume of enquiries during registration, additional support staff could help manage the workload and ensure that responses are timely and accurate.

Streamlined Processes: Simplifying and expediting the registration process could alleviate stress and help international students transition more smoothly into their new academic environment.

Whilst this review reflects only the initial stages of my experience, it is crucial for prospective international students to be aware that patience will be necessary during the registration process. It is my hope that the university considers these observations to improve the process for future students. Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful for a positive overall experience at City,...

My experience is related to being a postgrad research student. I have previously studied at 3 other universities prior. My student learning experience has massively been disrupted by constant redevelopments every year. For a long time refurbishments have caused extremely loud drilling (including over exam seasons), making many 'learning' spaces completely unusable. Sometimes, whole sections of the library have been closed too. Also, within some of their assistive technology rooms, the doors sometimes do not work when you tap the ID, meaning you are stuck there. This is a huge safety concern should there be a fire and you are disabled.

There is also an ongoing mice problem, which adds to the disappointment as it raises many health and safety concerns and also how this hasn’t been addressed after 2 years.

I have additionally had consistent IT difficulties with computers across campus over the last year. Either they freeze or are very slow, don’t work or I have difficulty signing on. I have reported these instances each time, however the problems soon return a month or two later. I don't understand how this can be an ongoing problem at a university. I wish they would invest more into resources here and bring in better computers.

I also would say training opportunities have been satisfactory, but nothing great. As a postgrad though, looking to gain skills and opportunities to progress my career I would expect more from City University as what has been on offer over the years, as it has been limited compared to other universities.

Investing and caring more into how students learn best, the actual student experience, professional and academic development opportunities, I believe all outweigh more than constantly renovating buildings for long periods every year and having poor IT systems. It appears spending is more focused on external than internal (students).

I’m left disappointed and dissatisfied with my experience as a PhD student at City, and I hope things improve for...

I studied law here for 3 years and graduated in 2018.

The university facilities and resources are excellent. There are lots of great, supportive teachers who encourage you, which outweigh the few that aren't that great. Being realistic, there is always gonna be a couple of teachers you don't really like.

The course was challenging and I had several breaking points during those 3 years, but that was the nature of the degree, and at least the support was there when I needed it. Either way, it whipped me into shape and I became a better academic for it.

There is a lot of additional support for extra-curriculars, scholarships, social events, internships, mentoring, and the mental health support team were excellent. The university has a lot of diversity and it was easy to make friends and have a social life. I wish the societies had a bit more of an active presence but they seem a little neglected. Nevertheless, I met some of the most influencial mentors during my time there, and I owe so much to the wisdom of the people I connected to through this Uni.

I think this University is actually one of the best in London truthfully, especially if you want to study something corporate or technical or something that is realistically going to get you employed in a position you want (though it took some patience bc London job market sucks for everyone). The networking opportunities are A1.

I genuinely don't think I'd be as far along in my career had I gone to King's or something. I know people who went to King's etc and because of the lack of support and their notoriously bad admin, they got very low grade jobs. So much for ranking?? lol.

If you are going to study a hard degree, you need to be in a University that cares about you and can get you places, and I feel like City does value education, employability, and the wellbeing of...