Semester in London -
University of Westminster

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Elevate your life in central London

Choose Westminster to take classes right in the heart of London at an internationally recognized institution. You'll learn to navigate this bustling metropolis (and the Tube!) as you travel between the University's buildings spread throughout downtown, your residence hall, and all the other places on your bucket list. While the city will surely entertain, you can also enjoy a lively student community on campus (clubs, sports teams, etc.) alongside local and fellow international students.

What to Expect

Language(s):

English

Average Courseload:

3-4 courses (12-16 U.S. credits)

GPA Requirement:

2.70

Visa Requirement:

NONE Required!

Highlights:

Beautiful, centrally located university setting is ideal for being right in the action

An academic calendar that aligns with the US

Wide range of student-run sports teams, including soccer, rowing, basketball, tennis, and football

An independent, urban lifestyle that will find you riding the Tube on the regular

Opportunities to travel throughout the UK and Europe

After going on the Tate Modern and West End excursions with CIS Abroad, I developed a passion for the different forms of art expression. My favorite part by far was visiting different galleries, street art displays and performances, and plays.

Princess Pinamang

I really liked the anonymity of being black in London. There weren't really high expectations like I've experienced in the U.S. I still had people go up to me and be like "I love your hair" but there weren't as many expectations for how I wear my hair.

Peace Pius

Come in with an open mind, make friends, and don't pass up an opportunity to explore. I now want to go on more adventures and feel more cultured.

Alexa Valenta

I am currently a senior manager in global comms for Procter and Gamble. I actually connected with my current boss because he also had studied in London, so my study abroad experience definitely helped me land the job. My dream would eventually be to lead the UK communications team and move back to the UK. my study abroad experience was hands down the greatest time of my life.

Madeline Fink

Program Details

Semester in London - University of Westminster

University of Westminster

At the University of Westminster, you'll experience high-quality education on a 165-year-old historic campus in the heart of bustling London. The University is one of the largest in the United Kingdom. Situated in the center of London, you'll have easy access to explore the city and beyond. Plus, Westminster is famed for its international community of nearly 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries. The University recently received the Times Higher Education Award for "Outstanding Support for International Students." With the largest and longest-running U.S. study abroad programs, you'll be making the right choice.

The academic calendar follows the U.S. university calendar, so you can easily find a term that fits with your study abroad schedule. Three of the university's four campuses are superbly located in the center of London, near the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the BBC, and the British Museum. The fourth campus enjoys a tranquil, scenic location just 20 minutes away by public transportation, or the "Tube." Student services will help you transition to life in the big city. At the same time, you'll have all the freedom to explore London and make it your home.

The 2013 QS World University Rankings ranked the University's programs in media, communications, and journalism 1st (UK), 2nd (EU), and 19th (World). The Complete University Guide (CUG) ranked the university's art and design program within the top ten in the UK (6th) for 2014.

Accreditation(s): Privy Council of the United Kingdom and Ministry of State for Universities, Science and Cities

Course Information

Browse Courses

Course listings are for exploratory purposes, final course availability is determined during the enrollment process.

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Life in London

A hotspot for art, fashion, film, history, music, theater, and nightlife, London is an experience in itself. Explore the many diverse markets across the city, including the punk-rock-inspired Camden market and colorful Portobello Road. Visit the Globe Theatre to see some of Shakespeare’s most famous works performed live. Many of London’s museums are free and house some of the most renowned works of art and artifacts. Cruise down the River Thames or find a rooftop with a sweeping view of the spectacular city below. As the saying goes, coined by famous author Samuel Johnson, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”

The London Underground makes navigating this big city easy. Also called "the Tube," it's the oldest underground railway in the world. Combined with London’s train and bus systems, the entire city is well connected and accessible. Walking is also a great way to see the sights. You'll glimpse contrasts between beautiful Victorian architecture situated next to some of the most modern buildings in the world. Stroll to one of the nearby well-preserved parks to enjoy green surroundings in the midst of a bustling city.

Feel like taking a weekend trip to the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool? Or checking out a Manchester United football match? Or taking a quick jaunt to a traditional seaside town? Thanks to England’s rail system, the whole country is easily accessible by train. And if you want to travel farther afield, London's international rail and air links make European excursions both easy and affordable!

Live the Local Life

West End Show

London's theater scene is second to none. Catch a musical or a play with your onsite staff!

Victoria & Albert Museum

This incredible museum houses over 4.5 million objects and spans over 5,000 years of art. No wonder it's one of the world's largest museums!

Afternoon Tea

Indulge in this fancy British tradition first introduced in 1840.

Portobello Road Market Walking Tour

Let your on-site staff take you on a tour of one of London's most famous neighborhoods and markets! (It's also where the movie Notting Hill was filmed.)

Evensong at Westminster Abbey

Hear the angelic voices of the Westminster Abbey choir during the traditional afternoon service that takes place every day in this famous UNESCO World Heritage site.

University of Westminster Housing - Semester

Overview

Harrow Hall is located within a very short walk of the Northwick Park Tube station, giving easy access to all of London. All students will receive a tube pass which will make trips to all parts of the city easy. The area around Harrow is known for being very diverse, vibrant, and multi-cultural. Students will have many affordable eateries and places to shop within a short walk of their residence. Living on the Harrow campus will provide access to social events with the University of Westminster community and will provide access to the campus facilities. Living on this safe, suburban feeling campus, but commuting in just over 20 minutes to the Marylebone campus for class will give students the best of both worlds.

Meals

Each unit has a modern well-equipped kitchen that you can use to prepare your meals. Put your skills to the test and try making your own versions of local favorites! NOTE: Towels, toiletries, and kitchenware are NOT provided. We recommend waiting until you arrive in London to purchase these items. It may be possible to share the cost of kitchenware with other students living in the residence hall.

Inclusions and Amenities

24-Hour Security Air Conditioning Cleaning Service Commute - Public Transportation Desk Laundry Laundry - Onsite Television Wi-Fi

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Full-time tuition and fees
Housing
Medical and accident insurance
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Pre-departure orientation
Airport pickup
University of Westminster orientation
Cultural Excursions
On-site support
Student Union fees
University of Westminster official transcript
The Local Life cultural program
CIS Abroad Micro-credential

Welcome & Orientation

Upon arrival, take part in a comprehensive orientation program. Learn the "do's and don'ts" of living in London, like how to get around by public transportation, how to stay safe, what to do in case of an emergency, and who to contact if you have any questions. Your site director will also give you tips on how to budget in a city that is notorious for being one of the most expensive in Europe, if not the world. Also learn all about the favorite places in town (restaurants, museums, markets, and more). And join in on a welcome meal, something traditional and yummy (ever had fish and chips or a Sunday roast?) so that you can start to taste the local flavors.

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Though you're not an astronaut returning from space, re-entering your home culture after being abroad can be shocking to the system. We'll walk you through some of the things to expect and help you reflect on your time abroad so that you can remember the highlights. And, of course, a grand farewell meal to say goodbye to London.

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

Oxford and the Cotswolds

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Wales

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Site Director

Anna Bermani

Site Director in London

About:

Anna holds a B.A. in English and German from Ca'Foscari University of Venice. The Italian village where she was born was never enough for her, and from a young age she decided she wanted to see the world and meet a lot of people from different cultures. Fascinated by foreign languages and traveling, she first studied abroad in London when she was in high school and then at Humboldt Universitu00e4t in Berlin a few years after. New York City holds a special place in her heart, ever since he was an intern at the Italian Cultural Institute there. After volunteering and working for the not-for-profit association AFS Intercultural Program, helping hundreds of high school students enroll and prepare for their experience abroad, she moved to London and focused on working with university students. She has been part of the CIS Abroad on-site team in London for almost five years now and has extensive knowledge about all our London programs. She loves musicals, fashion, playing tennis, hiking, drinking green tea and matcha, and is an intrepid backpacker.

Travel Tip:

Save money on your Oyster Card and walk everywhere. There are so many different neighbourhoods that await to be explored and hidden treasures to be discovered. Get lost in the city and take time to enjoy the experience!

James Avison

Assistant Site Director - London

About:

Originally from Nottinghamshire, England, near Sherwood Forest, I moved to Wales in 2015 to study a BSc in Product Design at Bangor University. During my second year of study i discovered the possibilities of study abroad which led me to a year-long work placement in Amsterdam, Netherlands with DTT Multimedia, where I designed and tested mobile apps. This experience sparked my interest in international education and the great value it brings. When I returned to University, I served as Vice President for Education and then President of the Student's Union. Now based in London, for the past two years I have been supporting international students in study abroad programs.

Travel Tip:

Pack light for short trips, you'll save on luggage fees and have more freedom to explore when you reach your destination! Make use of rucksacks (backpacks), bum bags (fanny packs), and deep zipped pockets to keep your valuables safe!

Your Support Staff

Syd O'Wesney

Program Enrollment Coordinator - England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain

Travel Tip:

Make sure to explore the city that you're in! Although the beauty of study abroad is you have the chance to travel all over the country and to other countries as well, sometimes people forget how many amazing things there are right there in the city they're studying in! Make some local friends, participate in holidays and festivals, find that local beloved restaurant. Although I have many travel memories to talk about, some of my fondest or most nostalgic moments I have were the ‘in betweens' so to speak – going grocery shopping with friends, hanging out in the school courtyard at night when the temperature outside was finally bearable, saying hello to the neighborhood cow (yes, there was in fact a neighborhood cow). Don't neglect what you have right in front of you!

Kaylee Klinger

Advising & Alumni Relations Manager

Travel Tip:

The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!

Serenah Quiroga

Advising & Communications Coordinator

Travel Tip:

Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.

Nicole Baumgartner

International Operations Assistant Director

Travel Tip:

When traveling always make friends with the locals! They will help really immerse you into the culture and give you a different perspective of your destination. They have the best recommendations for the most authentic restaurants and show you places that you would never find in a guidebook or on a blog. Not only will you have a great experience while traveling, but you also have the chance to make new, lifelong friends from around the world!

Dates & Prices

Additional Information:

Program Deposit

There is a non-refundable program deposit for all CIS Abroad programs. Paying the deposit secures your spot on the program! The deposit deadline and amount can be seen above in the Dates & Prices section.

Please note: As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.

CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.

ADVISOR TIP:

Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.

I knew I wanted to study abroad, particularly in Japan, because it was on my bucket list. Thanks to CIS, I was able to go to Tokyo! Even now, it is surreal to me that I got to go! I can't put it into words how much fun I had in Tokyo. I enjoyed every second of my time there, from walking around the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to going to class, eating delicious Japanese cuisine, and even going to the convenience store. Even the simplest things were incredibly fun to me. I was initially anxious about being homesick, my Japanese skills and traveling alone, but I'm happy to say that I very quickly made lovely, lifelong friends and was met with nothing but kindness from the locals. I learned not to let my worries get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CIS Abroad. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Tokyo.

Semester in London - University of Westminster

Elevate your life in central London

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Princess Pinamang

Peace Pius

Alexa Valenta

Madeline Fink

Program Details

University of Westminster

Course Information

Life in London

Live the Local Life

West End Show

Victoria & Albert Museum

Afternoon Tea

Portobello Road Market Walking Tour

Evensong at Westminster Abbey

University of Westminster Housing - Semester

Overview

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Site Director

Anna Bermani

About:

Travel Tip:

James Avison

About:

Travel Tip:

Your Support Staff

Syd O'Wesney

Travel Tip:

Kaylee Klinger

Travel Tip:

Serenah Quiroga

Travel Tip:

Nicole Baumgartner

Travel Tip:

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP:

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Semester in London -
University of Westminster