At the London Centre, you will live and study in the heart of one of London's most fashionable and centrally located districts. The Bloomsbury district, long a haven for artists and intellectuals alike, boasts walking distance to some of London's greatest sites, such as Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Soho, the West End, and more! Although you will live in shared flats and study at the London Centre, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore.

Front facade of the London Centre building

Excursions

At the London Centre, we strive to get students outside of the classroom as much as possible. Walking tours will take you from your own "home" neighborhood in Bloomsbury to some of the oldest parts of Central London, and you will visit sites of historical, cultural, or religious importance. You may visit Parliament Square, take a countryside hike to such famous estates as Waddesdon Manor or Hever Castle, or see Fazl Mosque. Or, you may go somewhere else entirely! As much as possible, we try to accommodate your interests when planning group outings, so don't be shy.

In addition, as part of your London Centre experience, you will have the opportunity to attend a collection of cultural events. These events vary each term depending on London's cultural calendar, but they will generally include three to four theatre productions (ranging from experimental fringe theatre productions, the West End, to Shakespeare). Additionally, you may find yourself invited to concerts; a British film; a British comedy evening; London pub quizzes; a sporting event, such as a football (soccer) or rugby match or horse racing at Epsom or Ascot; a London treasure hunt; mudlarking or something else entirely.

Did you know we make getting out and about easy?

As part of your London Centre experience, you will be provided with an Oyster Card, a prepaid travel pass that provides hassle-free travel on all buses in London and in Zones 1 and 2 on the Tube. Additionally, you will be given a membership in the University of London Student Union, which provides access to many eateries, library, recreation rooms as well as hundreds of student clubs!

Field Trip

As part of the British Life and Culture required course, all students participate in a day-long field trip outside of London. Trip location varies by term, but past field trips have included trips to Bath, Bristol, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Brighton. This excursion is also attended by professors, who provide additional information about sites and help students to frame these experiences and understand how history is presented and how this presentation affects modern citizens. This day trip is included in the program fee.

Free Time

Weekends

During the program, there are ample opportunities to explore independently (or with your new friends!), as weekends are mostly left free and are open for you to discover your own adventures.

Mid-Term Break

And, around the middle of each term, you will have a week-long mid-term break. This time is left open for more extensive independent travel. This time for travel often leads to some of the most fantastic experiences students have during their term abroad. From London you can easily explore the entirety of the United Kingdom or head to Europe (and beyond!). Whether visiting a major metropolis in Europe, backpacking through the Highlands of Scotland, or whisking off to North Africa or Mount Athos in Greece, this full week for independent travel  is one of the fundamental ways in which you can personalize your study abroad experience and make it uniquely your own.

 

Student taking photo of another student White cliffs of Dover

The Student Experience

Beyond Borders: Episode 1

Beatrice Kennedy-Logan shares her experiences at the London Centre in Spring 2024.