London

United Kingdom · CAPA · IES Abroad · Queen Mary exchange

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Travel advisory

Level 2 · Exercise increased caution

Terrorism; petty crime in tourist areas. Isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland.

Checked 2 October 2026. Levels change without notice — read the current United Kingdom advisory before you rely on this.

Visa and entry

Difficulty: Easiest Lead time: 2–3 weeks if a visa is needed at all

Under six months, US citizens can usually enter as a Short-term student without applying in advance. A full academic year needs a Student visa, applied for online before travel, with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your university.

Apply or check requirements → gov.uk Student visa

We are students, not immigration advisers. Requirements change and depend on your citizenship and program length. Always confirm against the official consulate site above and with CU Education Abroad.

From the team

A few things worth knowing before you get there.

  • Premier League tickets are the hard ticket — most clubs sell to members first. Register early on a club site, or try the official exchange for resale.
  • Cheaper live football: Championship and League One clubs across London sell on the day for a fraction of the price.
  • Get a 16-25 Railcard before your first weekend trip. It pays for itself in two journeys.
  • Most national museums are free — the British Museum, Tate Modern, the National Gallery, the V&A.

Students recommend

Aggregated from students who studied in London. These lists fill in as submissions come in — nothing here is invented.

Food

Where students actually eat, not where the guidebooks send you.

No submissions yet.

Nightlife

Bars, clubs and the nights out people remembered.

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Daytime spots

Parks, cafes, markets and places to work.

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Attractions

What was worth the ticket price and what was not.

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Studied in London? Add your recommendations

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