London: A Global City for College Students
Notes from the Road
College Tours: London, Cambridge and Oxford
London is a city where history, culture, innovation, and opportunity come together. During my recent college visits to London (with side trips to Cambridge, and Oxford), I explored universities that offer students unique experiences while sharing one major advantage: the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Students gain a world-class education while enjoying incredible cultural, professional, and global opportunities.
Founded in 1829, King’s College London is a prestigious member of the Russell Group, the UK’s leading research universities. Located in the heart of London, King’s offers a truly international experience with strong programs in health, medicine, STEM, business, law, humanities, and social sciences.
Known for healthcare and research, including its historic connection with Florence Nightingale, King’s provides a career-focused education with internships, hands-on experiences, and support from personal tutors. Standout areas include life sciences and medicine, environmental science, public policy, business, and emerging fields such as AI ethics and digital media.
Royal Holloway, University of London
Located just outside central London, Royal Holloway, University of London offers a beautiful residential campus. Founded in 1886 by Queen Victoria, the campus features historic buildings, green spaces, and a strong sense of community.
With about 10,000 undergraduates, Royal Holloway provides a more personal environment and is known for creative writing, drama, music, psychology, business, law, international relations, computer science, and cybersecurity. Royal Holloway is a great fit for students seeking a supportive campus community with access to London’s arts, culture, and career connections.
With my colleague, Susan Skrocki, in front of Imperial College London's iconic Queen's Tower.
For students passionate about science, engineering, medicine, technology, and innovation, Imperial College London is one of the world’s top universities. Located in lively South Kensington, Imperial combines exceptional research with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Students apply directly to their department, creating a focused academic experience from the start. With a strong emphasis on research, hands-on learning, and innovation, Imperial offers opportunities through maker spaces and programs like Enterprise Lab that help students turn ideas into real-world solutions.
Wandering through the Wren Library at Trinity College, Cambridge, home to centuries-old treasures, including original Winnie-the-Pooh manuscripts.
We paid a visit to the University of Cambridge andthe University of Oxford, which offer a glimpse into centuries of academic tradition, stunning architecture, and the unique college systems of two of the world’s most renowned institutions. Cambridge, founded in 1209, is known for its exceptional programs in STEM, engineering, medicine, and humanities, while Oxford, dating back over 900 years, is celebrated for its strength across nearly every academic discipline. Walking through historic colleges and taking a punting tour along the River Cam offered us a fun and memorable way to experience Cambridge’s beauty, traditions, and ancient atmosphere.
More About UK Admissions
The UK admissions process is different from the U.S. Students apply through the UCAS application, typically applying to up to five universities and choosing their major (course) when they apply. Most undergraduate degrees in England are completed in three years, with admissions focused heavily on grades, coursework, and test scores. The UK system is a great fit for students who have a clear academic interest and want to specialize early.
Couldn’t resist a side trip to Stonehenge. This mysterious prehistoric stone circle was a fascinating stop while exploring the beautiful English countryside.