City, University of London: What it's really like
Find out more about City, University of London
Want to study in the heart of England’s capital city? City, University of London could be the one for you!
City at a glance:
| Founded | 1894 |
| Locations | London, England, UK |
| Undergraduate course length | Three years, or four years with a placement year |
| Courses | Subjects are delivered via six schools: School of Policy and Global Affairs, School of Communication and Creativity, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, The City Law School, and Bayes Business School. |
| Students | 20,000+ |
| Great for | Students who enjoy the fast paced life of a city, who want to take advantage of excellent connections to industries, and learn through state-of-the art facilities. |
| Not for | Students who might prefer a quieter setting or slower pace of life. |
City, University of London graduate Nadia explains what it’s like to study at the university.
What is City, University of London?
City, University of London is located in the heart of the city. Its closest underground stations are Barbican and Angel. With the theatres, cinemas, and restaurants of central London on your doorstep, you’ll never be bored here.
City is a culturally diverse university, with around 40% of its students being international, and 11% of these from the EU. Wherever you’re from, you’re bound to find representation here.
Why apply to City?
The social aspect of university is so important, especially for your mental health – and City makes socialising so easy. With so many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues on your doorstep here, you’ll never be bored. On top of this, it’s a straightforward commute to the university if you’re travelling from outside London.
There are also great networking opportunities at City. Having been established for over 150 years in London, the university already has great business connections, so you can start to make professional contacts more easily.
Who isn’t the right fit for City?
City – and London itself! – are very fast-paced. If you prefer a quieter, more laidback lifestyle, a university in a more rural location might be better suited for you.
Any application tips?
Entry requirements for every degree taught at City are different, so make sure to check the website before applying. There will usually be a minimum requirement of Grade 4 in Maths and English at GCSE (or equivalent), but some degrees ask for higher.
Everyone writes their Personal Statement a little differently, but make sure you make it specific to your course. Show why this degree matters to you. If you have work experience that’s relevant to what you’re studying, it’s great to include this.
What’s the location like?
City is a five to ten minute walk from several of London’s tube stations, which means there’s always an alternative route if say, one tube line isn’t functioning.
Locally, food options are plentiful, with options to suit those who eat vegetarian, Halal, or Kosher. There’s a market nearby which is great for vintage finds, and a cinema just ten minutes’ walk away. If you’re into comedy, there’s a stand-up comedy venue also ten minutes away.
What facilities does City have to offer?
Our academic facilities include City Sight, which our optometry students use to deliver eye tests for the public and local businesses. The School of Health Sciences has a very realistic hospital mock setting, including hospital beds and equipment set up to mimic a ward, for nursing students to practice their skills. The journalism department includes green screen and our own radio channel, City Radio.
In your free time, you can check out our impressive gym, or visit City Bar to play pool and relax with friends.
What’s the accommodation like?
Accommodation at City is handled by the University of London Housing Services. The university does have various halls nearby, between five minutes and 25 minutes’ walk away. You could have an en suite bathroom and kitchen, or share your kitchen and bathroom with other students. There’s a range of different room costs as well, so take a look at our website to compare your budget.
How does City meet the needs of students with additional requirements?
At City, it’s easy to move around if you are a wheelchair user. Accommodation can be adapted to your needs. If you are a neurodiverse student, our support includes extra time in exams and personal support with writing assignments.
We offer bursaries and scholarships to help students pay for their studies, including an NHS grant for healthcare students.
Want to explore more UK universities? Remember, Unifrog’s Shortlisting tool can help you put together a list of great potential courses.