Study Abroad | London

Housing

STUDENT RESIDENCE

During your time abroad you will live in London, within easy travel of the AIFS Global Education Centre, the many museums, galleries, theaters and green open spaces of central London. Housing will be in shared rooms in a student residence.

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, Summer Program

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

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of British life and culture, the AIFS staff organize an active social and cultural program.

A guided city tour is included in the program fee – see Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.

Other events are offered which are subsidized from student fees so students pay a much lower rate than they would if they bought tickets directly from local theaters and tour agencies. Previous activities have included:

• Walking tours such as Black London, Street Art and Harry Potter
• A sports event
• Day trips to Greenwich, Oxford, Bath, Stratford Upon Avon and Brighton
• River boat cruise along the Thames
• A trip on the London Eye
• Theater performances such as Wicked, Matilda, Les Misérables, and Hamilton
• Meals such as Traditional afternoon tea or fish and chips