Study Abroad | London

Housing

Student Residence/Apartment

• Twin shared room with other AIFS or UAL students
• Shared kitchen and bathroom

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, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Chris Shia

Chris has several years’ worth of experience in international education and support. Before joining AIFS, Chris worked in student resident life for many years. Growing up in Ealing, West London, Chris has studied abroad on an exchange to the University of North Texas and lived abroad in Toronto, Canada. Chris holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Surrey and a Masters in Urban Planning from University College London. Traveling around the world is something that Chris really enjoys, and Chris has been to over 36 countries around the world ranging from Bosnia to Japan. You can find Chris exploring and learning about different neighborhoods in London on the weekend and is always on the lookout for “hidden gems” that few people know about including local restaurants, markets, nightlife and experiences. Chris’s big passion is watching football and Chris supports the mighty Tottenham Hotspur and attends matches whenever possible. Feel free to contact Chris about a variety of things including things to see and do in London and the UK, housing, healthcare, traveling, saving money and much more.

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

Cultural Activities

AIFS staff arrange a rich variety of activities to introduce students to life in the United Kingdom. There is an additional fee for many of these activities, but they offer an inexpensive way to experience London’s exciting cultural life and to see other parts of Britain. Professional guides escort trips to enhance the educational experience. Past events have included:

• Black London, Rock Music, Street Art and Royal London walking tours
• Rugby and soccer matches
• Day trips such as Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and Brighton
• River boat cruise along the Thames
• Theater performances of Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and The Woman in Black
• Ballet performance of Cinderella
• Traditional afternoon tea

You may be asked to pay a small additional fee for some of the activities above.

Besides arranged activities, there is always a wide range of events taking place in and around London, concerts, theater in the parks and much, much more. Information on these events will be made available to students upon arrival in London.

UAL Facilities

University of the Arts London prides itself on the variety and quality of its facilities, from state-of-the-art design suites to traditional print studios. Students can access the libraries, Learning Zones, cafés, shops and galleries at any of UAL’s sites, as long as they can show their ID card.