Study Abroad | London

Housing

Student Residence

You will study at the London College of Communications at UAL, based in Elephant and Castle, in the borough of Southwark. The area is vibrant, artistic, and very centrally located. The AIFS Study Center is a short commute away in Kensington, one of the most picturesque areas of central London. The student residence is located an easy commute between the two and includes:

• Double rooms with shared bathrooms

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in London.

City Facts

Population

London has a diverse range of peoples and cultures, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries. London had topped 9 million people in 2020.  

Culture

London is home to numerous museums, galleries, libraries, sporting events and other cultural institutions, including the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, British Library and 40 West End theaters.

Transportation

London’s transportation system is also renowned, and the London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world.

Site Staff

AIFS in London Director, January Term Program

Heather Lees

My love of travel began at an early age from moving around to different U.S. Naval bases and family road trips, to visiting family in the Philippines and studying abroad in the UK and Shanghai, China. After graduating from university in the U.S., I began a career in higher education, starting out in Residence Life and student activities before transitioning into international education. I have lived in the UK, on and off, for nearly 14 years (I am eligible for British citizenship!) and love to highlight all the UK has to offer. While I am mostly found indoors baking and crocheting, some of my favorite trips with students have been to national parks here in the UK… from ghyll scrambling in the Lake District to kayaking in the Brecon Beacons. I am a Mental Health First Aider and always happy to lend an ear.

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

Cultural Activities

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of British life the AIFS staff organizes an active social and cultural program. Activities may include:

• Guided city tour with a professional guide See Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London
• Christmas at Kew Gardens Visit the world-renowned Royal Botanical Gardens.
• Greenwich excursion Home to the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum
• Performance at a West End theater London is renowned for its vibrant theater scene. See a show in the famous West End theater district
• Afternoon tea tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, finger sandwiches and dainty cakes; enjoy the most English of institutions in a charming tearoom
• Visits to museums, galleries and landmarks
• Walking tour to experience London’s diverse and multicultural neighborhoods and vibrant art scene
• Curry night in Brick Lane, the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community. Sample what has become the U.K.’s national cuisine – curry! Enjoy a meal with new friends in a hip neighborhood of the city

Specific activities for your program will be confirmed prior to the program start date. Besides the arranged activities and visits you will undertake as part of the course you select, there is always something going on in and around London. Your Program Director will give you all the information you need to find events and activities that interest you.