Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity, and the location can make or break the experience. It’s important to look through your options and consider the pros and cons of each potential destination. That said, London is a great location for studying abroad! Reasons to study abroad in London include educational opportunities and cultural experiences, which reign supreme in this centuries-old city — not to mention the history, iconic sites, and of course, British accents!
What is it like to study abroad in London? Well, the word “epic” comes to mind.
So, why study abroad in London? There are tons of things that make London a fantastic location for study abroad. Keep scrolling to find out why London study abroad programs should be your top priority.
What is it like to study abroad in London?
History blended with modern architecture, culture, and sites — that’s how we’d describe London! This iconic city has been home to countless important moments in history, and you’ll get a taste of all of it when you study abroad there.
London is perfect for lovers of big cities; it’s bustling and diverse, while still being perfect for people who prefer some quiet every now and then (it’s so big that there are quieter areas to be found that provide escape).
Studying abroad in London means living in a hub, for both travel and culture. You’ll wander the streets and be amazed at the incredible city you chose for your study abroad experience.
9 reasons to study abroad in London
1. The city is full of diversity
You’ll love browsing the markets during London study abroad.
Because London is such a huge city, it attracts a ton of different types of people. From religion and ethnicity to language and political views, you’ll find a little of everything in London. In fact, there are over 300 languages spoken throughout the city!
There are tons of local markets that exemplify the city’s diversity as well. From Columbia Road Flower Market’s pansies and roses to Borough Market’s delicious delicacies and Brixton Market’s reggae music, you’ll get a taste of each culture — and see how different they are.
Just imagine wandering down one of these markets, with vendors calling out prices to entice customers. You might see some people dressed in the latest fashion trends or in traditional Tibetan momos, depending on where you are! Amazing smells will drift across the market and you’ll see cultural goods from many different places and maybe even buy yourself some.
Not only are there tons of different cultures in the city, but London is number one in the world for international students as well. No matter where you are in London, you’ll have the opportunity to experience many different cultures. You’ll become a better and more experienced person because of it!
2. There are tons of free museums and art galleries
There are almost 200 museums in London, which means there’s bound to be at least a few that interest you, right? If you’re a science nerd, you can spend your free time wandering the Science Museum or the Natural History Museum, where you’ll see incredible dinosaur skeletons and the famous blue whale model.
For our history buffs out there, there’s the Museum of London that recaps the city’s fascinating history, from prehistoric rule to Roman times and up to modern day. History fans can even go check out the Rosetta stone, located in the British Museum.
Art lovers are in luck in London too, between the modern art of the Tate Museum, classic works of art from artists like Van Gogh at the National Gallery, and many, many more. You’ll never run out of incredible art to admire.
But we haven’t even gotten to the best part; the majority of these museums are free. That’s right, free! There won’t be any coupon clipping or budgeting to fit in a couple of museums. Occasionally museums will charge for entry to a special exhibit, but even then there are student discounts! Easy access to these incredible educational resources is one of the top reasons to study abroad in London.
3. The theater scene
The art you’ll be exposed to should be reason enough to study abroad in London!
The theater (or should we say, theatre) scene in London is phenomenal. The West End is famous for world-class shows, where famous screen actors often make appearances. From Cats to Les Miserables to the longest-running show, Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap, you’ll have your choice of genres and shows to go see (and amazing programs to join and refine your acting skills!).
Best of all, the tickets aren’t too expensive! With a little bit of budgeting, even starving students can afford to go to a handful of shows. Basically, London is the theater capital of the world and you’ll have a fantastic time going to tons of shows. The theater scene alone is reason enough to look at London study abroad programs!
4. There will (probably) be no language barrier
The official language of London and the UK is … (drumroll!) English! We’re sure this comes as no surprise, but language is an important thing to consider when studying abroad. Moving to a new country by yourself is hard enough without an added language barrier.
English is spoken by 98% of the population in the UK, ensuring that you’ll be able to tell someone that you just want some mac n’ cheese for your comfort food. It’s worth noting that while London citizens speak English, it’s a different brand of English than we’re used to in the United States. There will likely still be some communication errors.
For instance, the first time you call your jeans “pants” will earn you some funny looks (“pants” is the word Londoners use to describe underwear!). However, the fact that you’re still speaking English will make communication significantly easier. And what would a study abroad experience be without some hilarious language blunders?
5. It’s a great central travel hub
The train system in the UK is incredible! Not only does it help you get around the city with ease (hello, no driving!), but it also can help you explore countries outside of Great Britain. France is just a train ride away, and Belgium and Switzerland aren’t much further.
You’ll be a public transportation pro by the time you’re done with London study abroad programs.
You’ll travel in style while you explore the UK and all of Europe as well. Plus, trains are great places for people watching. You can pass the long hours of travel by making up back-stories for each of train companions. If people-watching isn’t your thing, why not do homework while you travel around the city or country?
6. The food
Fish & chips is one of the most popular British dishes, and London has plenty of it! (For those of us who aren’t as familiar with British cuisine — chips means french fries in British English!) Between Yorkshire pudding and a full English breakfast, you’ll get a true taste of classic British food.
London is also home to some original dishes. Cockles, a small type of clam associated with London’s East End, are perhaps for the more adventurous travelers, but are nonetheless a classic London food!
Another East End favorite is pie and mash, a meat pie with mashed potato and green sauce made mostly of parsley. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add a side of stewed eel! London study abroad programs mean amazing food. ‘Nuff said.
7. The many great educational opportunities
Why study abroad in London? The educational opportunities are huge here! London is home to over 45 universities. This means you’ll have your pick of study abroad programs in just about any university you want.
Not only are there a lot of universities, but the quality of these schools is exceptional! In fact, four of these universities in London are listed in the world’s top 40 universities. And, with just over 30,000 courses, you’ll also have your pick of subjects to study and specialize in.
What better place to study abroad than a city with tons of studying opportunities? London is almost guaranteed to fit your study abroad goals, no matter what they are.
8. There are tons of green parks for you to sneak away to
You’ll find a ton of fun stuff to do at Hyde Park.
From Hyde Park to Regent Park, over 40% of London is green space! You’ll see many a picnicker, stretched out on blankets throughout the park. But there’s more to London parks than just picnicking! There are also live music concerts, sports events, and other awesome activities.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s boating or swimming in one of the many lakes. There are zoos and art museums and cafes galore in many of these parks — that’s how big they are! No matter how you occupy your time in London’s green spaces, you’ll love the gorgeous views of the city as an added bonus.
9. The history
Historic houses, palaces, and landmarks, oh my! London is home to many an iconic location, and when you study abroad there you’ll experience them all. You’ll stare up at the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey in awe. You can climb to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral and enjoy the stunning view. You can tour Buckingham Palace to get a glimpse of how the royals live. And of course, we can’t forget Big Ben, the famous clocktower on the parliament building.
And that’s not even mentioning the notable history in literature. You can read William Wordsworth’s famous poem “Composed upon Westminster Bridge” while actually standing on Westminster Bridge. For that matter, you can read arguably his most famous poem, “Tintern Abbey” while getting lost at Tintern Abbey like he did.
The cliffs of Dover are a short train ride away, where you can witness the stunning cliffs that Matthew Arnold wrote about in “Dover Beach.” There are tons of other examples we could use, but you get the point. Literature is an incredible part of studying abroad in London.
Did you find good reasons to study abroad in London? Talk to our Online Advisor and seal the deal!
London study abroad programs are waiting!
Big opportunities, big memories, and Big Ben all await you in London.
What is it like to study abroad in London? A fantastic adventure of course! You’ll love getting to know a diverse group of people who live in London, especially other international students! Plus, museums and art galleries will be an incredible opportunity for you to take in the history and culture of London.
Why study abroad in London? Because London is great for all the logistics of studying abroad too. There won’t be (much of) a language barrier, making your transition that much easier. It’s a perfect travel hub for the rest of your adventures too; a weekend trip to France will be no problem.
It doesn’t get much better than that! Studying abroad in London will be amazing. Bon voyage!
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