A multicultural and diverse metropolis, a hub for economic and academic activities, and a great tourist attraction, London is surely one of the most well-known capital cities for students in the UK as well as abroad.
London is not only a top tourist attraction and a well-developed capital city but a renowned center of higher education for international students. London education is ranked in the top 5 cities for higher education globally. London is home to more than 40 prestigious universities, studying in London means more international exposure and a greater chance to achieve your dream career. Below is a list of the top London Universities and their benefits.
The Most Famous London Universities
- Imperial College London
Speaking about London education and not including “Imperial College London” wouldn’t be fair. ICL is a top-notch London University that ranks in the top 10 universities throughout the globe. Established more than a hundred years ago, Imperial College London is an excellent institute for research in scientific fields and pursuing a well-recognized degree. Studying at ICL ensures a great blend of education, knowledge, experience, and future opportunities.
- University College London
The only institute in London that stands side by side with ICL is University College London. The only difference being is it was found more than 80 years before ICL. University College London has the honor of being the first London University. Attracting students from almost 160+ countries, UCL has come a long way round. With about 30 Nobel Prize Winners in its Alumni, UCL is proud of its hardworking staff and exceptional teaching skills.
- London School of Economics and Political Science
If you see your future in social and political sciences, then there will be no better London university than LSE. LSE has highly trained scholars and professors to guide you towards excellence. Furthermore, lectures are delivered by current and ex-politicians to help you chase your dream. Many influential politicians graduated from LSE.
- King’s College London
King’s College London is a prestigious institute for higher education that was established by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington around 200 years ago. It is ranked as one of the top London universities and appears in the list of top 25 universities globally. A whole world of opportunities is provided for research and academics.
- Queen Mary University London
This university was founded in the 18th century by a huge merger of four prime universities. It is a top-notch research-based university that caters to more than 25000 students around the globe. QMUC has a special reputation when it comes to medicinal sciences and dentistry.
Famous People Who Studied in London
The number of prominent and influential people who acquired a London education is exceptional.
Many Nobel Prize laureates including the social justice fighter Nelson Mandela, the youngest Nobel prize winner Malala Yousafzai, the Father of Modern Science Albert Einstein, Ronald Coase, Wole Soyinka, and many more graduated from London Universities.
Indira Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, and John F. Kennedy are some famous politicians who are graduates of London universities.
Some celebrities like Adele, Dua Lipa, Tom Holland, and Sarah Parker have also acquired a London education.
Peculiarities of Education in England
Formal education is compulsory and free for all children in England until 16 years of age. The education system of England has been divided into 4 main parts: Primary education (Age 5 to 11), Secondary Education (Age 11 to 16), Further Education, and Higher Education. The strongly regulated education system in England is the reason for its 99% literacy rate.
Prospects After Graduation
England is the 6th largest economy globally with a workforce of more than 30 million people. According to statistics, the unemployment rate in England was about 4%, which is its lowest in forty years. This is the reason; most students studying in London plan to get a work visa and achieve their dream career.
Unlike the Northern parts of England, employment is very high in London and there are ten times more jobs than in any other part of the country, but as expected, the competition is still very high.
The biggest sectors in terms of employees in the UK are:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Research work
- Administration
- Raw materials
- Wholesale
- Retail
- Media
Pros and Cons of London Education
Pros
- Life in London
London is a city that is filled with people of different ethnicities, nationalities, races, and cultures. Living in London means living the best of your life and experiencing the complex history, diverse culture, food, architecture, and some beloved tourist attractions.
- Economic Hub
London, the capital city of England is an economic hub. Studying in London allows you to be in a place where you can build your experience, social skills, and many more. You can also acquire a couple of diplomas and certificates that will further ease you in your professional life.
- Academic Hub
London has more than 40 universities with hundreds of courses and programs to choose from. London has more universities than any city in the UK. About 4-5 of them make it to the top 50 higher education institutes globally.
- Nature
Don’t be surprised when you see a lush green park every 100 meters. There is no place without a shade of a tree. Studying in London will allow you to be in close contact with nature and improve your health.
- International Exposure
Studying at a London university will give you international exposure and a chance to be an internee in huge companies like Barclays, Unilever, BBC, CNN, GSK, AstraZeneca, Amazon, and many more. Here, students can train and get a taste of practical life.
Cons
- Cost of Living
The cost of living in London can be really expensive for students that are not local. Although there is a smooth public transport network, sometimes traveling from A to B can be expensive. If you plan to study in London, then you should have a good budget or a scholarship that covers your expenses and provides a handsome stipend.
- Problems of a Big City
London is a big capital full of hustle and bustle. A lot of traffic in the streets, noise pollution, air pollution, and intense lighting can make your day very hectic.
- Getting Admission
Due to the great prestige and honor of London universities, there is a great demand and competition since every student is trying to get in. This makes getting admission a very tough process. Most universities rely on nothing but your academic grades. Only expect an interview if you are an A* student.
- Demand for Professionals
Although stated above that London is an economic hub, companies demand professionals rather than students. In order to get a job as a student, you need to have many connections and be a part of many societies.
