Study Abroad in London: Student Life

Orientation

A special orientation program focuses on the needs of study abroad students. They can meet with an advisor to design a program of study tailored to their needs. They are introduced to the practical aspects of living in London such as buying a transportation pass and finding the best bargains. Walking tours of the local neighborhoods and day tours of London are also offered. Students learn how to get involved in local community life through volunteer opportunities.

Students have a chance to meet other members of the University—staff and students—who will welcome them to the community and advise them on the multicultural nature of this unique environment. Students are acquainted with the University libraries and London library system. They are also introduced to campus social life so they can get involved immediately in the many activities the University and London have to offer.

Activities

Richmond students are entrepreneurial self-starters. Students run debates with participants’ nationalities as diverse as the UN itself and performing artists produce an annual celebration of international music and dance.

Imperial College (University of London) Student Union

For the duration of the semester, students have associate membership of the Imperial College Student Union, giving access to all the clubs and societies that the Union offers. This is a great way to meet British and other international students with similar interests. Students will also be able to use the facilities in the Student Union building which is just a few minutes walk from the Kensington Campus.

Support services

Resident staff help students adjust to life in London and provide a friendly and familiar face. There is a nurse on campus and an on-call system where students can reach staff 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.

Social/cultural program

A portion of each student’s fee goes towards providing a subsidized social and cultural program. The social coordinator plans a rich variety of activities to introduce students to life in London. Events may include a performance at Shakespeare’s re-constructed Globe Theatre, a trip on the London Eye for an aerial view of the city, film evenings, a trip to an English soccer game, a visit to the ballet or a walking tour of Royal London. All events are subsidized so students can sample London’s exciting cultural life at bargain prices.

To further enrich the Richmond experience, staff also plan day-trips to other parts of Britain, giving students the opportunity to marvel at the ancient monoliths at Stonehenge, explore the beautifully preserved Roman Baths and Georgian crescents in Bath or punt along the Cam in Cambridge before experiencing the soaring grandeur of the world-famous King’s College Chapel. Shakespeare fans can also visit Stratford and the house where Shakespeare was born. These trips are also subsidized, offering an inexpensive way to see Britain. Professional guides escort each trip to enhance the educational experience. In addition to the included weekend excursion to Paris, optional weekend trips may include a visit to Welsh-speaking Wales and a trip to the EU Parliament/NATO in Brussels.

Libraries

Richmond’s libraries contain approximately 80,000 volumes, with new titles added each year. Online and CD-ROM databases and Internet connections are part of the data retrieval and automated library systems. More than 200 journal titles reflect the broad range of courses taught at the University. London’s extensive range of specialist libraries, including the British Film Institute Library and University of London Library, with more than one million volumes are also available to students for a small membership fee.