There are over 40 colleges in London established across the capital city. The character of each college can be defined by its location on the London map, as much as the quality of its educational resources.
Districts of London
London consists of many distinctive areas varying in scale similar to any other capital city in the world.
Greater London is divided by 32 London Boroughs which surround a relatively small area known as the City of London which is not a London Borough. The first Roman settlers established London where the City of London and financial area now exists, in the centre of the map.
In addition to divisions by Boroughs, London is divided by Underground zones and postcodes corresponding to each area.
When short-listing your chosen colleges in London you will find that their position on the London Underground map will be a highly influential factor to bear in mind.
The Primary Undergound Zone
Central London makes up Zone 1 of the London Underground map and can be navigated across with ease.
The main tourist sites, shops, theatres, galleries and museums are all situated in Central London attracting many people all year round making it a fairly hectic zone.
Most of the leading universities and colleges in London are situated centrally in Zone 1 of the Underground map providing accessibility to some of the best academic resources in Europe such as the British Library, Senate House Library, the British Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Students studying in Central London can also take advantage of being nearby to Soho, Covent Garden, and the West End which offer a host of venues to go to after class. Away from studying, students have all the latest bars, clubs and shows on the doorstep of their college so it is simple to arrange an unprompted night out on the town.
Green Space in Central London
Students on campus in the centre of London can spend warm Summers days out of doors away from the buzz of town. There are many parks, squares and gardens that spread across Central London such as Hyde Park, St James’s, Kensington Gardens, Green Park, and Russell Square which can be the perfect place, to do some reading, hold a study group or share a celebratory end of exam picnic.
Colleges Further Afield
For students wanting a more sedate learning experience, colleges in London based outside Zones 1 and 2 may be a preferable option.
These areas are likely to be more residential with a village-like feel, less expensive and shaped by the culture of both the surrounding and student communities.
When selecting colleges in London it is always best to visit to the colleges’ Open days, so you can get a better feel of the local area where it is based as well as see the range of student resources and facilities available.