January in London
University of Roehampton

Athlete Friendly
Gap Year Friendly
LGBTQIA+ Friendly

Your winter break is better in London

Spend Winter Break exploring the best of London! Visit Big Ben, The London Eye, and the Tower Bridge while also earning 3-5 academic credits. Expect all and any passions and interests to be entertained with a range of unique landmarks, museums, and monuments in this historic city. Prepare to be amazed while you participate in our unique courses such as the London: History, Art, and Society course, where you will develop an understanding of the history of London and of some of its most celebrated monuments or art-historical sites.


What to Expect:

  • Language: English
  • Average Courseload: 1 course (4-5 U.S. credits)
  • GPA Requirement: 2.8

Highlights:

  • Trips to world-class museums, parks, theaters, and sites
  • A peaceful, picturesque campus with great support
  • Easy, fast train ride into Central London
  • Explore famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, London Bridge, and more
  • Includes meal credit equivalent of three meals per day

Program Details

University of Roehampton - England

The University of Roehampton is a friendly, lively community. The beautiful and historic campus is situated in one of the most attractive suburbs of London – and the university’s “Growhampton” sustainability program works to make being green easy and fun! The locale provides a stimulating environment where you can pursue your studies. To maximize your experience, you’ll receive support from on-site staff throughout your time abroad.

Roehampton is dedicated to providing the best academic, cultural, and social opportunities imaginable. Renowned for its Performing Arts and Biological Anthropology departments, the University of Roehampton offers a wide range of classes for students in the liberal arts.

Roehampton’s four colleges (did someone say Harry Potter?) and its central student union offer a strong sense of community. Since most students (and all study abroad students) live on campus, you’ll quickly feel at home, make friends, and start enjoying the many campus activities. With students from over 80 countries, Roehampton offers exceptional support to its international students. Advisors can guide you on everything from course registration to fun excursions.

Founded as a University in 1975, but with historic, academic roots going back to 1841, Roehampton has an incredible reputation. It has been ranked as the best modern university in London according to three sources: the Complete University Guide, the Sunday Times Good University Guide, and the Guardian University Guide. Roehampton is a research-intensive, modern university on a beautiful and historical campus in London.

Accreditation(s): Ministry of State for Universities, Science and Cities and also the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)

Areas of study with at least 2 classes available

  • Art & Design
  • Communications
  • Humanities
  • Business

Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.

Students will choose 1 of 3 courses.  We recommend that students approve all three modules with their home universities in case an classes are under-enrolled and canceled. All modules will be worth 20 UK credits, which is typically received as 5 US credits, although credit conversion is a the discretion of the homeschool registrar. Additionally, there will be an online component to each module that will be completed in the week following the departure date.

You can use the courses from previous terms below as a good indication of what to expect for your term, as they don’t typically vary too much from year to year. Once the new courses have been finalized they will be updated here.

Media and Social Change: Class, Race and Ethnicity
This module focuses on the ways in which non-fiction media such as news, documentary, lifestyle journalism and popular factual television articulate and explore contemporary experiences of profound social change. It focuses especially on the changing landscape of social class, race and ethnicity and asks how the media engages with these changes and presents them to its publics. Topics include: narratives of social aspiration and social mobility, class labelling, depictions of the upper and elite classes, rhetorics of race, immigration, home and belonging.
Media and Social Change: Class, Race and Ethnicity syllabus

London: History, Art and Society
This module provides an opportunity for students to develop an initial understanding of the history of London and of some of its most celebrated monuments, heritage and art-historical sites. It will introduce students to various types of historical artefacts – architecture, sculpture, painting and archaeological objects – and to various types of historical sources and approaches to them. You will develop a meaningful awareness of the particular character and challenges of London history through these visual and material sources as well as texts, both factual and fictional – and different approaches to them. The syllabus will include visits to London’s museums and heritage sites such as Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and less well-known sites, off the ‘tourist trail’.
London: History, Art and Society syllabus

Business Organisations in a Global Economy
This module aims to provide students with an introduction to different types of business organisations and the environments that they operate within. The module will mainly focus on the factors affecting businesses that are located in advanced economies. Therefore, much of the analysis and discussion will centre around issues that relate to industrial structure, international trade and technological change.
Business Organisations in a Global Economy syllabus

Why Life in London

A hotspot for art, fashion, film, history, music, theater, and nightlife, London is an experience in itself. Explore the many diverse markets across the city, including the punk-rock-inspired Camden market and colorful Portobello Road. Visit the Globe Theatre to see some of Shakespeare’s most famous works performed live. Many of London’s museums are free and house some of the most renowned works of art and artifacts. Cruise down the River Thames or find a rooftop with a sweeping view of the spectacular city below. As the saying goes, coined by famous author Samuel Johnson, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”

The London Underground makes navigating this big city easy. Also called “the Tube,” it’s the oldest underground railway in the world. Combined with London’s train and bus systems, the entire city is well connected and accessible. Walking is also a great way to see the sights. You’ll glimpse contrasts between beautiful Victorian architecture situated next to some of the most modern buildings in the world. Stroll to one of the nearby well-preserved parks to enjoy green surroundings in the midst of a bustling city.

Feel like taking a weekend trip to the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool? Or checking out a Manchester United football match? Or taking a quick jaunt to a traditional seaside town? Thanks to England’s rail system, the whole country is easily accessible by train. And if you want to travel farther afield, London’s international rail and air links make European excursions both easy and affordable!

Live The Local Life

  • West End Show

    London’s theater scene is second to none. Catch a musical or a play with your onsite staff!

  • Victoria & Albert Museum

    This incredible museum houses over 4.5 million objects and spans over 5,000 years of art. No wonder it’s one of the world’s largest museums!

  • Afternoon Tea

    Indulge in this fancy British tradition first introduced in 1840.

  • Portobello Road Market Walking Tour

    Let your on-site staff take you on a tour of one of London’s most famous neighborhoods and markets! (It’s also where the movie Notting Hill was filmed.)

  • Evensong at Westminster Abbey

    Hear the angelic voices of the Westminster Abbey choir during the traditional afternoon service that takes place every day in this famous UNESCO World Heritage site.

Housing in London

Location

Students will live in single rooms on campus at Bede House alongside other study abroad students and full-year Roehampton students (In other words, you’ve got a great opportunity to meet other local and international students). There are communal bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces in the building.

Wifi is available in common spaces, but you may want to bring an ethernet cable for a stronger internet connection in your private bedroom. WiFi is also available all over campus.

Coin-operated laundry facilities are available outside of the dorms for £1.50 per wash. The accommodation is non-smoking and there is 24-hour security on campus.

Meals

Participants will receive a Swipe Card with a credit of £220, which is enough to cover three meals per day on campus. These swipe cards can be used in eateries and stores around campus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are many eateries open both on-campus and in the surrounding areas. Most dietary requirements can be easily met.

Additionally, Bede House is equipped with a self-catered, communal kitchen for student use in each corridor. Each kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, oven, stovetop, microwave, kettle and toaster. A kitchen pack will be provided which includes plates, a bowl, utensils, cutlery, pans, corkscrew and can opener.

Inclusions and Amenities

  • 24-hour security
  • BathroomShared
  • Bed linens
  • CommuteWalking
  • Desk
  • Kitchen Equipment
  • LaundryOn-site
  • Meal PlanPartialIncluded
  • Single Room
  • Wi-Fi

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in US dollars and include the following:

  • One guided excursion in London
  • Full-time tuition and fees
  • Housing
  • Meal credit – equivalent of three meals per day
  • University of Roehampton official transcript
  • Medical and accident insurance
  • CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
  • Academic advising
  • Financial aid counseling
  • Assistance with travel arrangements
  • Predeparture orientation
  • Airport pickup
  • On-site support
  • The Local Life cultural program

Welcome & Orientation

Upon arrival you’ll take part in a comprehensive orientation program. You’ll learn the “do’s and don’ts” of living in London. We’ll cover everything from how to get around by public transportation, how to stay safe, what to do in case of an emergency and who to contact if you have any questions. We’ll also give you tips on how to budget in a city that is renowned to be one of the most expensive in Europe, if not the world. We’ll also tell you all about our favorite places in town (restaurants, museums, markets etc). Oh, and you’ll join in on a welcome meal, something traditional and yummy (ever had fish and chips or a Sunday roast?) so that you can start to taste the local flavors.

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

As fun and exciting as the excursions are, it will be important for you to participate in daily life, just like a real Londoner. What’s that you say? You don’t know what the locals do when they aren’t studying or working? Don’t worry, we’ll show you!

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.
Windsor Castle and Eton

Windsor Castle and Eton

Windsor Castle has been the royal home and fortress for over 900 years, and along with the surrounding town demonstrates the essence if British life. The castle is the Queen’s official residence and is also used for state visits and other formal duties. In addition to the Castle, Windsor is home to St. Georges Chapel which has been used for hundreds of Royal weddings, christenings, and funerals. Eton College lies just across the peaceful River Thames, and the city is also a perfect place for nature lovers who can explore Windsor Great Park and weave their way around the castle.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

Visit Henry VIII’s elaborate Tudor palace on the banks of the River Thames. See the Great Hall where he entertained hundreds of guests with sumptuous banquets and entertainment. Listen out for the cries of Catherine Howard’s ghost as we tour the Haunted Gallery. Then tour William and Mary’s apartments, designed by the great architect Christopher Wren before exploring the gardens and getting lost in Hampton Court’s world famous maze.

Oxford

Oxford

There’s more to this city than just the famous university. You’ll explore the city’s museums, theaters, shopping centers, parks, botanical gardens, and a cathedral. Combine these with the strong sense of educational superiority, and you’ve got a city that screams “British.”

Site Director

Travel Tip:

Save money on your Oyster Card and walk everywhere. There are so many different neighbourhoods that await to be explored and hidden treasures to be discovered. Get lost in the city and take time to enjoy the experience!

Travel Tip:

Save money on your Oyster Card and walk everywhere. There are so many different neighbourhoods that await to be explored and hidden treasures to be discovered. Get lost in the city and take time to enjoy the experience!

About:

Anna holds a B.A. in English and German from Ca’Foscari University of Venice. The Italian village where she was born was never enough for her, and from a young age she decided she wanted to see the world and meet a lot of people from different cultures. Fascinated by foreign languages and traveling, she first studied abroad in London when she was in high school and then at Humboldt Universität in Berlin a few years after. New York City holds a special place in her heart, ever since he was an intern at the Italian Cultural Institute there. After volunteering and working for the not-for-profit association AFS Intercultural Program, helping hundreds of high school students enroll and prepare for their experience abroad, she moved to London and focused on working with university students. She has been part of the CIS Abroad on-site team in London for almost five years now and has extensive knowledge about all our London programs. She loves musicals, fashion, playing tennis, hiking, drinking green tea and matcha, and is an intrepid backpacker.

Your Support Staff

Advising and Enrollment
Travel Tip:

You’ll be supported every step of the way!

Advising

Kaylee Klinger, our student advisor and 2x CIS Abroad alum, can help match you with a program that fits your academic and personal objectives. It’s not always an easy choice, but you can’t go wrong! Once you’ve decided, we’ll guide to you submit an online application.

Enrollment

Once you’ve submitted your initial application and the fee, you’ll be assigned a Program Enrollment Coordinator. We’ll work closely together to guide you through the enrollment process and prepare you for a life-changing experience!

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP: Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.

  • Application Deadline: Oct 15 (Estimated)
  • Arrival: January 2 (Estimated)
  • Departure: January 15 (Estimated)
  • Price: $5,590 (Estimated)
Additional Information:

There will be an online component for this module to be completed in the week following the departure date.

As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.

CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.