Learn About Your Study Destination

Cities

London [population, about 7.07 million]
London is the capital of the United Kingdom, situated in southeast England along the River Thames. The city is an international base for finance, insurance, and shipping, and a world political and cultural center. Tourist sites include the Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the National Gallery and the Picadilly Circus. Most students love the shopping along Bond Street or at Harrods, and the evenings offer the best of theatre and music.

Oxford [population, about 140,000]
Oxford is known as the home of Oxford University: the oldest university in the English-speaking world. About 1% of the city's population attends Oxford. Dotted with Gothic buildings of Oxford University colleges, the city has an academic atmosphere suitable for studying. Students enjoy spending time at some of the student pubs and shopping is less expensive than in central London. Another attraction of Oxford is its location, only a 40-minute drive from London.

Cambridge [population, about 120,000]
Cambridge, like Oxford, is a university town that preserves a strong medieval atmosphere. There are a number of superb buildings, such as St. Bennett's Church, which dates back to the 10th century, and the round Holy Sepulchre Church. Additionally, there are museums and art galleries, including Fitzwilliam Museum, as well as parks and gardens. Cambridge University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Europe and is famous for having produced a great many men of distinction, such as Darwin, Keynes, Cromwell, and Milton.

Security Situation

The crime rate in the United Kingdom is low, allowing foreign students to study with a relative sense of security. It is illegal to have a gun in the United Kingdom. However, in populated areas, like any other country, students should be careful and adopt basic safety procedures to prevent property crime. Specifically, students should keep credit cards and check books in a safe place. Being initially cautious when introduced to a totally new environment is in the student's best interest. A little caution can make your study abroad experience safe as well as memorable.