Student Life

The London Study Center of the Foundation for International Education is located at Foundation House which is situated in the heart of Kensington, an area of London noted for some of the grandest houses and prettiest mews cottages to be found in London as well as being home to many parks, including Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, and Holland Park, churches, and the famous Victoria and Albert Museum.

Foundation also provides special membership in the Imperial College Union which allows students access to on-site sports facilities at local coast, to clubs and societies, to a low cost cafeteria, to on-site coffee bars, and to the pub.

The London Semester Program uses classrooms and facilities in both Foundation House with its Student Services and an Academic Services staff and at Metrogate Center which provides access to a computer lab with 30 computers and free e-mail/Internet along  

Although London is one of the world's most expensive cities, it is still possible to find wonderful entertainment for practically nothing!

• Many museums don't charge visitors including the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum (a must see), the Tate Galleries, the Wallace Collection, Sir John Sloan's Museum, the National Army Museum along with many other smaller museums.

• One can visit the Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey, or the Royal Courts of Justice and see the English legal system at work. Just ask the ushers at the entrance to the public galleries which trials are likely to be the most exciting.

• Both the Barbican and the South Bank areas, major arts locations, have free lobby exhibitions, musical performances, and other entertainment. If you are daring enough, you may be able to get in to listen to orchestral rehearsals!

• Covent Garden Market is great for people watching, clown acts, acrobats, puppet shows, and sidewalk musicians.

• Window shop in some of the great department stores such as Harrods, Selfridges, or Liberty House.

• Go to an auction at Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonham's or Phillips which are fascinating to watch--just don't raise your hand!

• Attend a free lunchtime concert, especially in the churches such as St. Martin's-in-the-Field and many others.

• Visit one of the fabulous 'flea markets' such as Portobello Road Market or Islington.