SOAS – a place so diverse you don’t stand a chance in recognizing who is an exchange, international or a UK student. Neither should you try – it would only take the fun away. ;)

Photos 1, 2 and 3: Walls in the Students’ Union Bar

It wasn’t really London I was choosing when deciding where I want to go with the Erasmus+ exchange program. But I admit it is one of the most welcoming cities and I couldn’t wish for a better combination with the chosen University. I’ve heard of SOAS from lecturers at Turistica when I was studying for my bachelors. Ever since then, SOAS caught my attention. After my bachelors I took a gap year and worked in London for almost a year. At the time I started meeting SOAS students on several occasions – which only made my wish of attending the lectures there stronger. You can imagine my happiness some years later (aka last year), when I started with my masters and got informed that Turistica now offers a place in SOAS with the Erasmus+ exchange program.

SOAS, short for School of Oriental and African studies, is mainly known for teaching arts and humanities, such as anthropology, history etc., languages and cultures and also law and other social sciences. In my experience, it turned out to be even more impressive from what I’ve expected. My first thoughts when walking around the University buildings was “Wow, this must be how Hogwarts for people who love cultures looks like”. My fellow students in Portorož would probably agree that our faculty is placed in a neat, new building, which, on a first sight, gives an impression of a hotel. It has two larger lecture rooms and several smaller ones. You must be careful when trying to catch the library opening hours. Everyone, however, knows each other, which makes it easy for word to come around and it gives a nice homey feeling. It also has a lovely café with the best iced coffee in Portorož. In SOAS however, you won’t only find lecture rooms. There are several different music rooms with instruments and sounds from around the world, prayer rooms, student common rooms, a zen roof garden, cafes, a shop, canteen, a book shop, a bar/pub that turns into a party place with shishas in the evening and a GIANT library. I’m sure I forgot many things. Understandably, in contrast to what I’m used to, you get my excitement. Before my arrival though, I was more excited about the interesting course mix, well-known professors and finding new connections and experiences. Still I didn’t expect the courses to be so interactive and to hear so many different and impressive opinions, views and experiences from my course-mates. The debates that evolved were often more fascinating than the lessons themselves, and that is something I find irreplaceable.

Photo: Zen roof garden in SOAS

LOCAL CULTURE AND HABITS

As mentioned the cultural diversity of the place is simply amazing. You don’t easily get into a situation where everyone is familiar with the customs so just relax and enjoy the confusion. Be polite though, say sorry and thank you. Yep, a true cliché, but I mean it. You won’t get anywhere without it in London where people apologize even when they haven’t done anything wrong at all.


PLACES, ACTIVITIES AND NIGHT LIFE

There are many free events happening in London throughout the year. The fact they’re free is alone perfect for students. Keep an eye on the museums, which not only are free to visit, but also hold monthly admission-free evening events definitely worth visit. There are festivals like Winter Wonderland, Lumiere London and Notting Hill Carnival and events such as stand-up comedy and jazz evenings all over the town. Use your student ID for discounts and see the world famous musicals and other theatrical shows. Or simply follow the SOAS Union FB site for events, talks, open debates, film screenings and more. Same goes for night life. You can either follow the students’ union suggestion about parties at SOAS and near or visit one of the countless clubs or venues London has to offer. Also, make sure you get that “typical British pub” experience and treat yourself with a beer. ;) 

 

Photo: London Stout in one of the pubs

CULINARY & STUDENT MEALS

Budget friendly restaurants are to be found around the faculties, many of them situated on Goodge Street, only 10min away from the main SOAS building. Thai, Turkish, Japanese, Mexican, Greek, you name it.

There are canteens in SOAS and other University of London buildings around which you may try out. Personally, I recommend to take advantage of the Farmers market that occurs every Thursday lunch time (11am-2pm) on the Torrington square (behind the main building on Russell Square).

ACCOMODATION

SOAS offers two residences to its students – Dinwiddy House for undergraduates and Paul Robeson House for postgraduates, both near to the SOAS building on Vernon square. Apart from that, there is possible to find different student accommodations from student housing to private rooms or flats. The costs of accommodation are probably amongst the highest in Europe, so student accommodation, where the fee is usually around 150GPB per week, is welcomed. 

Photo: one of the SOAS buildings, Vernon Square

 

TRANSPORT

Transport is expensive in London, so make sure you get your oyster card and make a good cost calculation using the TFL (transport for London) website. There are different fees depending on the zones in which you travel. If using a weekly or monthly card, for let’s say zones 1 and 2, you get to use trains, busses and the underground in these zones for no additional fee, while paying separately will cost you more. However, if you plan to use bus only, your costs might be lower without a weekly/monthly pass. Downloading a TFL app which allows you to plan your journey and suggests which routes you should take is recommendable, as well as downloading an UBER (taxi) app. 

Photo: Inside of a London bus

COSTS

As mentioned the highest costs in London are in accommodation and transport. However, finding a job is not as difficult, and will not only help you cover your costs, but also get you a valuable experience. There is no such thing as student service (known to Slovene students) elsewhere so you work on a contract. However, as a student you don’t pay tax, which is a great benefit for you (yaaay). Make sure you have your NINO number and a bank account first though – SOAS students’ union will help you with that.

PROS & CONS

Overall there are many pros and little cons. The cons always make you stronger and help you improve yourself. If I’d have to name them I would say COSTS! But there are solutions, as always. The University itself is amazing and has a lot to offer. But be careful and make sure the programme suits you. There is a large amount of work you will have to put in your studies and you can only enjoy it if you’re there for the lectures. ;) 

Photo: London from above

Daša Okrožnik