Study Abroad in London: Welcome!

To get an awesome aerial view of the city, take a ride on the infamous London Eye, the world's largest sightseeing wheel. While riding the London Eye, you may catch a glimpse of Big Ben, the clock tower attached to the House of Parliament. The Tower of London is another sight to see as it is the place that Henry VIII moved his prison site to in 1529. Visitors can take a tour through the Tower of London, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the many amazing landmarks, London is home to over 300 museums, 200 theaters, and 250 art galleries. London is truly unique in both its quantity and diversity of different attractions that it offers.

Affordability

Because the Euro is less than the US Dollar, students should prepare to spend more money than they do in the US as one US Dollar is equivalent to only .77 Euros. With that said, however, it is possible to live comfortably in London on a budget. There is a misconception that England is one of the most expensive European countries, but that is only the case for the uninformed traveler. Students who study abroad in London should be aware of deals offered throughout the city and will be surprised by the abundance of popular museums and events which are free of charge.

Culture Shock and Support

Because going abroad is a new and exciting thing, make sure to choose a study abroad program that offers a great deal of support for its students. ISA, for example, has a Resident Director available at all times along with staff members who arrange tutoring, lead excursions, and provide both academic and personal support. ISA also offers counseling services, organized clubs and activities, and a health center. API strives to help students become more culturally immersed and self-aware in their environment. They also are very helpful to their students by working closely with their home universities throughout the entire abroad experience.

Helpful Hints / Insider Tips

Public transportation is the most common and popular way to get around London, so students who travel abroad here will become pros by the end of their stay! The London underground, or 'the tube', is an extremely efficient and inexpensive way to travel. The system may seem overwhelming at first, but it is actually very easy to understand as all the lines are color coded in accordance to their route / direction. Buses, on the other hand, are a little bit more complicated to navigate than the tube, but are also a very convenient way to get around the city.

Students who travel abroad to London will often times find themselves in a classic British pub. Pubs are the place where Brits gather to drink, eat and enjoy each other's company. Because pubs do not usually offer table service, expect to order both food and drinks at the bar.

London offers amazing shops including fresh and local grocery stores as well as fancy and fun clothing boutiques. Some great areas to shop are Portabello, Road, Covent Garden and Camden Lock Market.

London Eye