The Benefits of Studying at a London Campus University
Renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and global influence, London is set for excited undergraduates to succeed. And you can’t do much better than choosing a campus university to soak yourself in all things academia and culture. From the iconic streets of Bloomsbury to the Thames-side landscapes of South Bank, London’s campus universities offer students a unique academic experience, combining world-class education with the excitement of urban life. Join us as we explore the distinctive campuses, academic programs, student life, and the countless opportunities that make London an unparalleled destination for higher education.
What is a campus university?
A campus university is one where the majority of academic activities and facilities are dotted across a small location, typically known as the campus. They’re self-contained environments that include lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, dormitories, sports facilities, administrative buildings, and recreational spaces, all a stone’s throw away from each other.
Students typically live on or near the campus, helping create a vibrant and immersive academic community. This concentrated layout encourages face-to-face interactions among students and staff and promotes a sense of belonging, and helps encourage collaborative learning experiences. The campus often becomes a hub of social, cultural, and extracurricular activities, offering students a holistic educational experience beyond just the classroom experience.
The opposite of a campus university is what’s known as a city university. These types of universities have their lecture halls, sports facilities and wider amenities spread across entire cities. No doubt, they have their benefits too, but they aren’t quite as connected as their campus counterparts.
The benefits of choosing a campus university in London
Campus universities come with plenty of benefits. Read on and consider whether going campus not city is the right fit:
1. A vibrant student community
One of the major advantages of studying at a campus university in London is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a thriving student community. With thousands of students sharing the same physical space, you will find an exciting blend of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. This diversity not only enriches your social life but also expands your horizons and encourages cross-cultural understanding. Participating in clubs, societies, and events organized by the student union will help you forge lifelong friendships and create unforgettable memories.
2. Embracing academic excellence
Campus universities in London pride themselves on offering a first-class education in a concentrated environment. Renowned institutions such as University College London (UCL), King’s College London, and Imperial College London boast state-of-the-art facilities. With the proximity of academic buildings, libraries, and laboratories, they create an atmosphere conducive to learning and collaboration, fostering intellectual growth among students.
3. Access to world-class resources
Campus universities offer a wide range of resources that are easily accessible to students. Libraries housing extensive collections, research centres equipped with cutting-edge technology, and dedicated study spaces are all conveniently located within the campus premises. Moreover, the proximity of academic staff enables regular interaction, facilitating mentorship opportunities and encouraging intellectual discourse beyond the classroom.
4. Convenient and connected living
Living on or near campus provides a level of convenience that is hard to match. London’s efficient public transport system ensures that you can easily navigate the city, with various tube stations and bus stops in close proximity to campus. Additionally, the availability of on-campus amenities such as cafeterias, sports facilities, and student services makes campus life self-contained and fosters a sense of belonging.
5. Cultural and extracurricular opportunities
London is a city brimming with cultural and extracurricular opportunities, and studying at a campus university puts you right in the heart of it all. From art galleries and museums to theatres and music venues, the city offers a plethora of activities to suit every interest. Campus universities often collaborate with local organizations, facilitating student access to these cultural events and encouraging engagement with the vibrant London scene.
6. Extensive range of support services:
Campus universities in the UK understand that student success goes beyond academics. They offer comprehensive support services to ensure the holistic well-being of their students. From academic advisors and career guidance to mental health support and counselling services, campus universities prioritize the personal and academic development of their students. The proximity of these services within the campus ensures easy access, making it convenient for students to seek assistance whenever needed.
A list of London campus universities
With around 40 different universities spread across the UK capital, it can be difficult to identify which are campuses and which are city universities. This article goes into more detail on which London universities are campuses. In the meantime, here are some of the most popular:
King’s College London:
KCL consists of five separate campuses. The largest is the historic Strand Campus in central London, with another three Thames-side campuses (Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Waterloo) nearby and a final campus in Denmark Hill in south London. Each campus has its own specialty so it’s absolutely worth checking out where your course will be. And don’t forget to check out KCL accommodation if going into university halls is not up your street.
Birkbeck:
Birkbeck has five different schools which cover their own specific academic discipline. The largest and most central of these is situated in central London. Check out this video for more on what Birkbeck campus living is like.
Goldsmiths:
Goldsmiths University is set around one main campus which includes the St James Hatcham Building, the College Green, a range of art and music studios, some cafes and plenty more. Check out their campus map for more information.
UCL:
UCL’s main campus is in Bloomsbury, Central London. The main Quad is on Gower Street. Check out this post for more information on what to expect in the campus. A quick hint: expect the British Library, BT Archives, Charles Dickens Museum ckose-by, with UCL private accommodation dotted throughout.
Royal Holloway:
For the most classic campus living, Royal Holloway in Egham is classed as one of the most beautiful in the world. It’s a little further out of central London than the others in this list however it makes up for that with its first-class facilities and spectacular university buildings. Learn more here.
Don’t forget that you can study on campus while living in your own luxury student accommodation. Campus living isn’t for everyone and choosing a provider like urbanest for your accommodation can give you the best of both worlds.