Summer in London
University of Roehampton

Gap Year Friendly
LGBTQIA+ Friendly

Live and learn with British students on a beautiful, serene campus

Live on in the heart of southwest London for a summer on the lush Harry-Potter-esque campus of the University of Roehampton. 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. Earn 3-10 credits while discussing a Shakespeare play on a field trip to the Globe Theatre or better understand the effect of the Beatles on British culture by visiting Abbey Road. Relax in the funky vibe of life at Roehampton or spice it up by heading into downtown London.


What to Expect:

  • Language: English
  • Average Courseload: 1-2 courses (3-10 U.S. credits)
  • GPA Requirement: 2.8

Highlights:

  • A research-intensive, modern university top ranked in the UK
  • Unique London Studies courses that take you around the city
  • Passionate professors who are experts in their fields
  • Trips to Big Ben, Parliament, Oxford Street, the London Eye, and more
  • Easy access to other parts of the UK and Europe on the weekends

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
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Humanities
  • Education

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

On the Summer in London – University of Roehampton program you can participate in one or two sessions. Each session is three weeks long, giving you the opportunity to be in London for an entire six weeks.

You will study one module per session at the equivalent of 3-5 US credit hours. If attending both summer sessions, an equivalent of 6-10 US credit hours can be earned.  As a small note, 10 UK credits can be received as 3 or 2.5 US credits, depending on the home university’s policy.  It is the responsibility of the student to confirm with their home school advisor how many credits their classes will be awarded.

*Please check with your Academic Advisor to confirm credit conversions at your home institution.

Classes typically run 9am – 1pm, four days per week. (Monday – Thursday)

COURSE DETAILS – UPDATED FOR SUMMER 2023!  Small changes to these offerings may be made on occasion.

Session 1:
Choose one of the following courses plus one or two backup selections.

Session 2
Choose one of the following courses plus one or two backup selections.

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.

Roehampton Residence Halls

Location

As a CIS Abroad student on at the University of Roehampton, you’ll live in a single room in one of the residence halls on campus. Wifi is available in common spaces, but you may want to bring an ethernet cable for a stronger internet connection in your private bedroom.

Living in the residence halls provides you with the opportunity to meet students from different cultures and backgrounds. There are also cafeterias, shops, and coffee and snack bars located on campus, as well as student union facilities, where you can relax and spend time with your new friends!

Watch Oscar’s video tour of his accommodation to get an idea of what your housing could be like.

Meals

The hall is self-catered, with a 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.

You can buy groceries in the village, which is a short ten-minute walk from the main campus, or at ASDA (a large supermarket), only a short bus trip from the campus.

Inclusions and Amenities

  • BathroomShared
  • Bed linens
  • CommuteWalking
  • Desk
  • Kitchen Equipment
  • Single Room
  • Wi-Fi

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in US dollars and include the following:

  • Tuition and Fees
  • Housing
  • 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
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing pass
  • 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

Though you’re not an astronaut returning from space, re-entering your home culture after being abroad can be shocking to the system. We’ll walk you through some of the things to expect, rehash your time abroad so that you can remember the highlights and, yep, we’ll feed you again as part of our farewell to London and England.

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.
Brighton

Brighton

Join us for a daytrip to one of England’s most famous seaside towns. With its iconic pier and beautiful pavilion built by King George IV, Brighton is a popular, easy to reach destination for those looking to escape London’s bustle. Spend time walking along the rocky shore or playing in one of the many arcades. And complete the trip with a bit of fresh fish and chips!

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.

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.

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

Syd O
Travel Tip:

Make sure to explore the city that you’re in! Although the beauty of study abroad is you have the chance to travel all over the country and to other countries as well, sometimes people forget how many amazing things there are right there in the city they’re studying in! Make some local friends, participate in holidays and festivals, find that local beloved restaurant. Although I have many travel memories to talk about, some of my fondest or most nostalgic moments I have were the ‘in betweens’ so to speak – going grocery shopping with friends, hanging out in the school courtyard at night when the temperature outside was finally bearable, saying hello to the neighborhood cow (yes, there was in fact a neighborhood cow). Don’t neglect what you have right in front of you!

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: Apr 1 (Estimated)
  • Arrival: June 6 (Estimated)
  • Departure: June 29 (Estimated)
  • Price: $5,190 (Estimated)
  • Application Deadline: May 1 (Estimated)
  • Arrival: June 27 (Estimated)
  • Departure: July 20 (Estimated)
  • Price: $5,190 (Estimated)
  • Application Deadline: Apr 1 (Estimated)
  • Arrival: June 6 (Estimated)
  • Departure: July 20 (Estimated)
  • Price: $7,990 (Estimated)
Additional Information:

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.