Studying in the United Kingdom has recently become popular and a top choice, including in London. As the capital of England and the largest city in the United Kingdom, London is famous for its reputable universities and quality of education. Another thing that draws international students to London is the city’s cultural diversity.
London is a great place to study, where you’ll find thriving international communities. Since there are many universities there, choosing between arrays of options can be overwhelming. Thankfully, this article saves you stress by highlighting the top schools in London.
Let’s find out together!
Top Schools in London for International Students
There are several schools in London for International students, many of which have been ranked as top universities worldwide. London universities enable you to experience quality education, diverse culture, and a new environment.
Here are 7 top schools in London to consider:
1. Imperial College of London
The Imperial College of London is a popular school and one of the top choices for international students. This school focuses on engineering, science, business, and medicine. If you want to attend a large business school or an institution with quality and well-equipped medical facilities, consider applying here.
In addition, it has a large community of international students which will help you have a sense of belonging. The environment is dynamic, and you’ll experience new and exciting things throughout your program.
2. University College London
University College London (UCL) is also one of the best universities in London and the UK. The school has also been consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world. It is famous for its high number of international students, especially postgraduate students. Therefore, its international students community is something to look out for and consider.
Also known as London’s Global University, UCL is located in the heart of the city, increasing its desirability and competitiveness. This institution lets you experience the “London lifestyle” while studying.
Lastly, University College London offers a range of courses to study, including psychology, medicine, and biological sciences.
3. London School of Economics and Political Science
London School of Economics and Political Science is one of the top schools in London for international students. This should be one of your top choices if you specialize in the social sciences.
The school has great social science programs like law, anthropology, sociology, political science, and economics. In addition, the university’s law practitioners and professor alumni contribute to its reputation.
One thing that attracts international students to the school is the diverse languages spoken, over 100. So, you can expect to meet a large community and society of international students that you can join.
Furthermore, the school is located near popular spots you can explore during your free time. During your program, you can visit Trafalgar Square, British Library, and theaters and enjoy West End nightlife.
Overall, you’ll get a quality education while enjoying a social life as part of the student community and outside school.
4. King’s College London
King’s College London is one of London’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Founded by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington in 1829, the school has been ranked one of the top schools in the world. This school is great for international students from Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world.
It is quite popular for its involvement in research and offers a range of courses. You can study any humanities, science, or law courses there. Furthermore, it’s popular for its “the most central university in London” name because of the five campuses located in London.
The great part is that they’re close together by the River Thames. Also, the campuses are near landmarks like the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Big Ben which you can explore occasionally.
5. Royal Holloway, University of London
This is one of the top schools in London for international students and ranks high in the world’s best university list. The school isn’t located in the heart of the city but slightly out of town and requires about an hour’s train ride from central London. You can also consider securing accommodation close to the school.
Doing that will enable you to enjoy the suburban lifestyle of London in that area. Another thing to love about the school is its international students community, as it enrolls a large number of students from other countries. The university is famous for its strong arts and humanities programs which you can confirm if you enroll.
Besides the quality of education, Royal Holloway University of London has a very beautiful campus that you’ll love once you step in.
6. Brunel University
Another top school in London to consider is Brunel University. Named after Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Brunel University is one of the high-ranking schools in the world for international students. The school encompasses different disciplines, including arts, social sciences, business, health, law, information systems, and more.
It is located in Uxbridge, West London, an hour from the center of London. One thing to love about this school is the accommodation provided for first-year students. This allows you to enjoy the full student experience and be a part of the international students’ community.
Furthermore, the university environment is a well-rounded student community with libraries, bars, green spaces, restaurants, and sports centers that you can explore. You can be sure to enjoy your time as a student here.
7. Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London is one of the biggest and most-recognized universities in the city. The school provides training and research opportunities in different courses.
Furthermore, the school has a diverse range of international students. Students from over 170 countries are enrolled there, so the international students community is one to consider when deciding whether to study there in London.
Also, the school’s Mile End campus is located near trendy East End areas. Places like Brick Lane, Hoxton, Whitechapel, and Shoreditch are where you’ll see from time to time when studying at Queen Mary University.
How to Choose a School to Attend in London
London is home to many top schools for international students. Students from Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world have become members of the international community and taken quality courses that kick-started their careers.
While London has schools with great courses, you can’t attend them all. Besides, some schools won’t be the right fit for you, no matter how great or large their international student community is. Choosing a school in London shouldn’t be a hassle.
These tips will help you out:
● Consider the school’s international community
One of the top things to consider when attending school in London as a foreign student is the international community. Knowing the rate of international students in the school can motivate you to attend a school or not. It’s easier for you to feel relaxed and settle in quickly if there are students like you at the university.
You can ask the admissions office about the number of international students in the school. The higher the number of international students, the more at ease you might feel in the school. However, if this doesn’t matter to you, you can consider other criteria to choose your desired school.
● Check for partnerships
Another thing to consider is school partnership. You can make your decision and application easier if your current university partners with any school in London. Suppose there is, the better for you. However, this shouldn’t discourage you from applying to your desired school if the partnership isn’t available.
● Consider costs
Cost is a major determining factor for international students. This includes costs for transportation, school fees, rent, and entertainment. The fees for your desired school may be beyond your budget, so you should consider looking for cheaper alternatives. Furthermore, you’ll likely not get accommodation on campus, so you should factor in rent and maybe consider staying in low-end areas.
● Consider your field of interest
Different schools have their focused fields of study. One major thing that should determine your school of choice is your field of interest, not the large international community or how popular the school is.
You should research and find solid schools that provide quality education in your field of interest. Then, you can streamline your options based on cost, partnership, or location.
● Choose a school that matches your lifestyle
London is generally a bubbly and lively city with so much to do. While many would like that, some would rather be in a quieter part of London. It’s important that you choose a school in an area that matches your lifestyle so you don’t feel overwhelmed or bored due to the high or low vibe of the city. Also, check whether the school environment or general vibe matches your lifestyle.
Tips for Studying in London
Studying in top schools in London doesn’t have to be stressful. You can make the most of it whether it’s your first time in London or you don’t know anyone around. With the right help, you can have the easiest experience settling down in school and enjoying your program.
Here’s how:
● Utilize student’s discount
One of the good things about schooling in London is the student discount. You can get a discount when getting on the bus, grabbing coffee, or using other services. Also, you should ask whether there are students discount options when paying for a product or service. That way, you can save money and use it for other important things.
● Search and apply for funding
International students often enjoy benefits like grants, funding, or scholarships. These fundings are available through government agencies, universities, and abroad providers. You can save on your tuition fees by searching for funding options and applying for them.
Sometimes, you can save up to half or full tuition if you get some funding. Note the criteria for winning such funding and apply for the ones you qualify for.
● Get travel insurance
Another tip for studying in London is to get travel insurance. You may think this is unnecessary, but it’s better to have it whether or not the need to use it arises. The travel insurance will cover any travel disruption, theft, or similar situations during your travel or stay in London. Consider including this in your travel expense when planning your move to London.
● Join a students’ society
Moving abroad as a student can get boring, especially when you don’t have friends around. You can remedy that and have a better schooling experience by joining a student society. There, you’ll find students who share common interests with you, make friends, and improve your social life. Some student clubs cover football, books, chess, and boxing.
Beyond those, you can find international student communities that may be particular to your country or language. Settling in might be easier if you connect with people from your country or who speak the same language as you.
● Get a railcard and/or oyster card
Traveling around by train and bus is very popular in the UK, so you can easily get around with a railcard or oyster card. Most buses receive cashless payment, so you need an oyster card to pay for your fares for moving around.
Having a card is more convenient and sometimes cheaper than paying with cash. So, getting your transport cards should be a priority when you first arrive in London to enable easy commuting to school and back and everywhere you want to go.
● Find household items on online platforms
Getting household items is essential to transform your apartment into a home. The best way to get good and affordable deals on those items is by searching for them on websites like eBay and Craigslist. You can get good items without having to break the bank.
Conclusion
There are many top schools in London for international students. Finding and choosing the one that best caters to your needs is important. Check for the fees, location, international community, and your desired course. Most importantly, don’t forget to research. Research the school’s tuition, admission or course requirements, eligibility criteria, apartment, funding, and other important things to determine which best suit your needs. Lastly, consider joining the school’s online community before moving abroad.
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