Study Abroad in London

COLLEGE STUDY ABROAD

Click to scroll down and read more

study abroad in london historic sites aerial view

Explore London, England

When you study abroad in London, England, you can expect to learn in an international hub with a plethora of museums, art galleries, libraries, and more. A modern, innovative city, studying abroad in London comes with a variety of benefits, from exploring eclectic neighborhoods to hearing nearly 300 languages spoken throughout the city.

It’s no surprise London remains one of the most popular study abroad destinations for students. Bustling with must-see art, music, theater, and fashion, the capital of the United Kingdom never runs shy of excitement or attractions.

map of London uk with red pin
student taking a picture on a London abroad program
study abroad students in London England at Beatles crosswalk

Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In London, past excursions have included:

  • Day trips to other cities, such as Oxford or Brighton
  • Trip to Hampton Court Palace
  • Boat trip to Greenwich
  • Learn about the history of the South Bank and end with lunch in Borough Market
  • Guided tours of city highlights – the Houses of Parliament, the British Museum, street art in East London, or a walk through the redeveloped London Docklands

If you’re a student looking for a unique study abroad experience in London, our cultural excursions allow you to do just that! Whether you want to spend a year, semester, or summer abroad, studying abroad in London offers something exciting for every student. 

Study abroad students at CIEE london classroom

WHERE STUDENTS STUDY

CIEE London
Our Center in London is part of the CIEE Open Campus Block Network. Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, the CIEE study abroad center is in the academic heart of London, regarded as one of the most vibrant neighborhoods. It features Georgian-style architecture, 10 classrooms, a café, garden terrace, and tech zone.

Goldsmiths, University of London
Founded in 1891, Goldsmiths joined the University of London in 1904 and is world-recognized for creativity and innovation. The urban campus is in New Cross, South East London, a lively, diverse neighborhood with a booming music and arts scene.

University College London (UCL)
This challenging and highly selective top-ranked UK university has a world-class reputation. Founded in 1826, UCL is the largest college within the University of London, first to admit students of any religion and social background, and first to admit women on equal terms with men. Nearly 40% of students come from more than 140 countries.

University of Westminster
Britain’s first polytechnic opened in 1838 and was rededicated in 1992 as University of Westminster. Known for innovative courses, teaching methods, and diversity, the university hosts 22,000 students, including 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries.

study abroad students at london university by the waterfront

INTERNSHIPS & VOLUNTEERING

Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer in London. Students can volunteer at a range of organizations in need of support.

In addition, students can add valuable international work experience to their resume by interning at British companies, from marketing agency MCH London to non-profit One Young World among countless others.

London Study Abroad Programs

Pocket Guide to London

  • Currency
    Pound Sterling

    Spoken Languages
    English

    Available Transportation
    Tube, bus, train, feet

    Famous Local
    Queen Elizabeth II – the Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms

  • Climate
    Warm, dry summers; mild, wet, windy winters; mild spring and fall

    Did You Know?
    "Big Ben" is not the name for London’s famous tower; it’s actually the name for the bell inside the tower

  • Airport
    London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

    Social Norms
    Don’t eat food with your hands – table manners are highly valued in Britain

    What to Pack
    Raincoat, waterproof shoes, backpack

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY STUDY ABROAD IN LONDON

Click to Open

With over 6,000 restaurants, 8,500 double-decker buses, and almost 9 million residents, London, England, is a vibrant city with cutting-edge arts, music, fashion, and more. If you’re looking for opportunities to explore famous sights, eat delicious food, and learn more about yourself in this bustling city, London may be the place for you!
Read More: 10 Reasons to Study Abroad in London

HOW TO STUDY IN LONDON

Click to Open

If you’re looking to study in London, CIEE offers several programs that allow students to choose from a variety of courses, participate in excursions, volunteer, and more. Simply apply for one of CIEE’s London study abroad programs through your application.

HOW TO PACK FOR A SEMESTER ABROAD IN LONDON

Click to Open

While a student’s London study abroad packing list is heavily influenced by the season and weather they will experience, we generally recommend that students on spring and summer programs pack comfortable walking shoes, rain jackets, and light weight clothing. For fall and winter programs, we recommend that students pack warm, layerable clothing with common winter accessories like gloves, hats, scarves, etc. 
Read More: How to Pack for a Semester Abroad in London

LONDON DO’S AND DON’TS

Click to Open

One of the biggest DO’s in London is to make sure you look right when you cross the street – remember they drive on the left! One of the biggest DON’TS in London is prioritizing a visit to the London Eye. While this attraction is usually at the top of tourist’s lists, there are a plethora of other attractions to visit in addition to the London Eye, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square among others.

WHAT IS DIVERSITY LIKE IN LONDON

Click to Open

In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in London.
For more detailed information on diversity in London, visit our Diversity in London page.

Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

study abroad in london england during winter

APPLY IN 1,2,3!

You may be wondering if there are any scholarships for studying abroad in London. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in London to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:

  1. Search for and apply to your dream program
  2. Review all available funding opportunities
  3. Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application

students studying abroad in london

STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible. 

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible. 

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status. 

VIEW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

TALK TO A STUDENT WHO'S LIVED IT...

Ask an Ambassador

Reach out to one of our Student Ambassadors to learn what CIEE Study Abroad is really like from alums who've lived it! Address any questions you may have about London, from your academic interests and travel planning to housing and cultural differences. 

CONNECT WITH AN AMBASSADOR

@londonciee on Instagram

 
 

London Study Abroad Experiences

  • "This program offers a great introduction to the city through excursions near or within London. There were many opportunities to go and explore several areas and CIEE places students in a great central location! The staff is incredibly welcoming and helpful and were willing to go above and beyond for their students!"

    Calista P., University of Colorado-Boulder
  • "The staff here are always so willing to help students with anything they could ever need and I love having the opportunity to travel to multiple countries to study!"

    Corinne E., Arizona State University
  • "I have thoroughly enjoyed this program including the courses, teachers, advisors, and study tours that CIEE offered."

    Ashley R., Pennsylvania State University
  • "The program staff was very nice. They were very generous with the scholarships and grant that paid for the flight here. The program trip to York was amazing, and the staff makes sure you don't lose touch with them and that you have support and feel comfortable while you're here."

    Kamiya T., Howard University