Difference between class at USC and London

By Judy Lee ‘17

Having been a the University of Westminster for almost two months now, I’ve come to steadily realize the minor (and major) differences between going to school in sunny Los Angeles and going to school in moody London. They certainly came as a shock to me, but are rational in a different train of though, which I respect.

The friends I’ve made here so far have been nothing but helpful and understanding, contrary to stereotypes that British people are aloof and don’t have time for your foreign nonsense. Of course, there are plenty like that—but because the university is so diverse here (even moreso than USC!), it doesn’t come as a surprise that the environment is definitely affecting how people perceive “foreigners” entering and receiving an education in their country.

As for the actual university itself, here are some differences to start:

Course choices

For the most part, because degree programs are shorter here than in Los Angeles, the process for course plans are much more regimented. Usually, they are already mapped out so there is little room for fun electives like Hip Hop Dance and Web Design.

Grading

Anything over 75 is fantastic. Anything over 85 here is considered a phenomenal  (and impossible) score. A 60 is considered average. Same standard of excellence, though. The numbers are just hard to accept (especially being the Asian-American I am).

Attendance and Participation

What I noticed immediately in my first class was the level of engagement the students have in their classes. Back at USC, if you miss a class or two per week—it’s an average week at USC. However, almost everyone has consistently attended lectures. Not only that—actively participated in conversation and (gasp) actually paused the professor’s lecture to ask a relevant question!

Not saying they’re that much smarter here. However, they’re definitely a lot more invested in understanding the material right then and there, whereas the culture at USC is moreso one of “I’ll figure it out on my own later because I don’t want to look stupid.”

Three-Year Programs

Major difference here is that most degree programs are completed within 3 years. There isn’t much time for meandering and “finding yourself”. You don’t have as much leeway for undeclared majors—almost everyone comes into college knowing exactly what to do and it isn’t encouraged to “take your time” to figure things out because the program is so short.

Internships

This is probably just be a USC thing, but the internship scramble is definitely more lowkey here. The rush to find the best internship every so often isn’t an undertone amongst the students I’ve run into. That isn’t to say they don’t have any (in fact, they do and theirs tend to be paid, more often than not). However, I feel as if there’s a special kind of vein-popping tension only being surrounded by Trojans brings.

Overall, there aren’t enormous differences in the people here. There will always be certain types of people everywhere (obviously) and this place is no exception. However, the culture shock is interesting to experience: making me more cognizant—and sometimes even thankful—for the opportunities I have at home.