Whenever I hear the word ‘London’ the first thing that comes into my mind is the famous ‘London Bridge’. But the city is absolutely more than that, more than kings and queens and their palaces, and more than being a financial and fashion hub. London is in fact a common point where great minds, ambitious dreams, and dynamic imaginations of students from every face of the planet meet and start their journey. Top calibrated and globally recognized universities and colleges are just a few of the reasons why international students choose London to be their second home. Check for yourself and you will see why…

Preparation and Financial Assistance

Students anywhere in the globe can contact the UKCISA and British Council for the latest information and procedures in applying for student visa. The British Council also features an online catalog where students can search for various scholarship grants and awards from UK universities, non-profit organizations, and private institutions.

Institutions, Programs, and Courses

Universities in London can be categorized into two classifications. The first is the federal University of London which is one of the largest universities in Europe. It has 19 colleges and 12 institutes all of which control its own admissions and degree courses and are in fact universities in their own right. Some of the leading and distinguished colleges of the University of London include University College London (UCL), King’s College London, Queen Mary, London School of Economics and Political Science, Birkbeck, Institute of Education, Goldsmiths, and the Royal Holloway. The second are universities that are not part of the University of London such as the Imperial College London, City University, Brunel University, London South Bank University, Middlesex University, and the University of East London.

These universities and colleges are at par with various institutions in the US such as MIT, Berkeley, and the University of California. Undergraduate, postgraduate, and advance studies and programs are available under different fields – Art, Design, Architecture, Business, Management, Finance, Media, Humanities, Law, Healthcare, Medicine, Veterinary Science, IT, Science, and Engineering.

Transportation

London has certainly one of the most modern and organized transportation systems in the modern world. Students can avail of the Oyster Card with a discount of 30% on a selection of travel cards. From coaches, double-decker buses, black cabs to high-speed trains your chosen university or college is just a step away from your home. If you are the traditional type you can also hit the road with bicycles which are gaining popularity nowadays or simply walk around the city and savor its history, architecture, and style.

Accommodation

Regardless if you are taking a short or lengthy course, finding your next home sweet home will never be a problem in London. You can choose from studio flats, apartments, to flashy penthouses throughout the city and its suburbs, name it London has it. Nearly all universities and colleges offer accommodation for foreign students. International students are recommended to read the UKCISA Guidance Note – ‘Accommodation for international students’ for various do’s and don’ts in choosing their place to stay.

Lifestyle, Health & Safety

And what is school without experiencing some fun? Foreign students will be awed on what London can offer. Cafes, discos, shopping havens, fine restaurants, art centers, exotic markets, museums, whatever can make you relaxed and unwind London is definitely the city where you live life in its fullest. Students staying for 6 months or more can access hospital treatment for free from the National Health Service (NHS).