Study Abroad | London

Housing

Student Residences

During your time abroad you will live in London, within easy travel by public transport to the AIFS Global Education Centre, the many museums, galleries, theaters and green open spaces of central London.

For Spring 2024, housing will be in cluster flats shared between 5-8 AIFS students. Each room is a single with a private bathroom. The cluster will have a communal kitchen.

Housing beyond the Spring 2024 term has not yet been determined. Single accommodation may be available for a supplemental fee. Please contact the Program Advisor regarding availability.

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. A London Transport travel pass is included in your program fee.

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 leads a team of staff who provide you with advice and support during the program. An Academic team is also on hand to assist you with your courses and provide academic support in London.  

Cultural Activities

To help immerse yourself in British culture, AIFS staff organize an excellent program of cultural and social activities to complement the academic program and to enhance the educational experience. Many activities promote a way of learning through “hands-on” experience as well as integration with the local community to allow students to get the most from life in London. Many events are included in the program fee with a few requiring a small supplementary fee giving students an inexpensive way to explore different areas. Examples of activities are:

Visits and activities in London:

• Introductory guided sightseeing tour
• Museum and gallery visits
• Guided walking tours such as food, fashion, LGBTQI+, street art
• West End theater performance
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
• Houses of Parliament or Westminster Abbey
• Market visits 
• Visits to different areas of London
• Music or dance events
• Festivals and free events
• Guest speakers from different London communities
• Afternoon tea
• Tour of Brick Lane with Indian meal
• Traditional Sunday roast
• Boat trip along the River Thames or London Eye trip

Sports:

• Ticket to a sporting event (football, cricket or rugby)
• Stadium tour

Day trips:

• Stonehenge and Salisbury (Spring and Fall)
• Cambridge (Fall 2023 only)
• Oxford (Spring 2024 only)
• Cotswolds Villages (Fall 2024 and Spring 2025)

Themed weeks:

• Each semester AIFS organises at least one themed week of events to engage students during their time in London.  Examples include wellness, sustainability, green week and charity initiatives.

Volunteering

AIFS can arrange volunteering placements for students wishing to take an active role in the local community and make a meaningful contribution during their stay in London. Placements may be with charities or NGOs – contact the Program Director for more information. This is an excellent way to meet local people and gain a deeper insight into British culture and London life.