At the beginning of each term, an orientation week is held for all international students. This orientation will give you a chance to get acquainted with Queen Mary, the city of London, and other international students before the first week of class begins. During orientation, various temporary services are also set up on campus, such as a large discount store to buy basic living supplies inexpensively. You will find many of the informational sessions helpful and the tours and social events enjoyable. The itinerary for the orientation will be emailed to you by Queen Mary before your arrival.

Prior to orientation activities at your university, you will attend a mandatory IES Abroad orientation at the beginning of the semester. Orientation includes detailed information about health and safety in London and the United Kingdom, academic advising, cultural adjustment, housing, and other important topics. Our aim is to help you become acquainted with London and student life in the United Kingdom You will also learn how to use the IES Abroad London staff as a resource to supplement your immersion in university student life. During the orientation period, you will be invited to a welcome...

International students at City St George's, University of London participate in an orientation prior to the start of the semester that introduces them to the university. This is a good opportunity to meet other students and to make sure you have all the information you may need regarding health, finances, academics, etc. Specific details will be shared nearer the time of the orientation. Students taking courses at City St George's University are required by the university to attend the orientation there. Students who fail to attend this orientation will have their course registration cancelled...

City St. George's, University of London received its charter in 1966, having evolved from the century-old Northampton Institute. City St. George's has a strong international community—30 percent of its students now come from outside of the UK, which means that American students at City St. George's get the chance to study not only within the British system but also within a strong international academic community. In August 2016, the college was admitted to the University of London, a federation of 27 independent schools and institutes. The university is located in Islington, a vibrant and...

IES Abroad will preregister you for university courses prior to the start of the program. Upon arrival in London, you will finalize course enrollment during orientation. Final enrollment cannot take place prior to your arrival in London. IES Abroad will also share information about how to access course schedules, and it is your responsibility to make sure that the courses you have been approved for do not conflict. If they do, you should seek approval for additional courses, checking with your home university first that they will permit you to take said courses.

Due to its multicultural nature, people in London are used to walking down the street and hearing a variety of languages and accents. Moreover, about 5 million Americans visit London each year. In this sense, as an American you will not be as much of a novelty in London as you may be in other cities in the UK. Use this to your advantage! Integrate yourself as much as possible by going to the theater, attending student functions, or shopping in Camden Town, Hampstead, or Islington. If you put yourself in the position to meet people and allow yourself to relax, you won’t be disappointed. Clearly...

It is recommended to book your flight to land at one of the following airports no later than 11 a.m. on the official arrival date. Heathrow Airport (LHR) London Gatwick (LGW) London Luton (LTN) London Stansted (STN) London City (LCY) You should proceed directly to your housing placement and follow any instructions sent to you by your residence. You should plan for your flight to arrive no later than 11 a.m. to allow enough time to get through passport control and customs. All students, including those who enter on a visa, may use the e-Gates. You do not need to see a border agent. Lost Luggage...

It is recommended to book your flight to land at one of the following airports no later than 11 a.m. on the official arrival date. Heathrow Airport (LHR) London Gatwick (LGW) London Luton (LTN) London Stansted (STN) London City (LCY) You should proceed directly to your housing placement as appointed by UCL. You should plan for your flight to arrive no later than 11 a.m. to allow enough time to get through passport control and customs. All students, including those who enter on a visa, may use the e-Gates. You do not need to see a border agent. Lost Luggage If your luggage is lost while in...

How to Request Housing Read through the Housing Options below to determine your preferences and contact your IES Abroad Program Advisor with any questions. NOTE: Housing Options and details may not be readily available until later in the predeparture process. Please be patient as we secure housing that will keep you healthy and safe during your semester abroad. When housing details are available, they will be posted here and you will get an email from your IES Abroad Advisor letting you know they are ready. Check with your study abroad advisor at your current college or university for...

Course-Related Excursions Several IES Abroad courses include a compulsory course-related excursion. Required field trips are either included in the program fee, or will require a discounted additional cost. This will be clearly communicated to students during the preregistration process. Students who are not enrolled in a particular course may also be allowed to attend the field study trips for an additional fee. You will learn the costs and destinations during the preregistration process, prior to your departure for London. As part of the Theater Studies program, students are required to...