University of the Arts London (UAL)

Life in the capital is all about making connections. Wherever you come from or whatever your background, you will meet like-minded people. More than eight million people call this diverse and vibrant city home. Around 300 languages are spoken and over 270 nationalities are represented.

London’s art, music, literature, theatre and films are celebrated all around the world, and the city thrums with creativity. Internationally renowned arts institutions nestle beside small and independent cultural venues – it is this connection between old and new, spontaneity and establishment that is the very heart of London’s unique creative character.

UAL is home to more than 19,000 students from over 140 countries. You will expand your horizons, be inspired by new ideas and collaborate with people from different cultures and traditions. The University's award-winning Social Programme runs events and activities in every hall throughout the year. The events are organised by Social Reps – fellow students that live with you. They organise a wide range of activities, from movie nights to art gallery excursions. There are regular cross-halls events, giving you opportunities to meet people from across UAL – all events are free or very low-cost, so everybody can take part.

Even when it’s time to leave, UAL will continue to support you. The University’s Alumni Association is the world’s largest creative network, uniting 200,000 former students around the globe in their passion for art, design, communication, fashion and performing arts.

If you are an international student, you’re guaranteed a place in halls for your first year if Accommodation Services receives your application for accommodation by the deadline.

The University offers around 3,300 places in self-catering accommodation in halls of residence across the capital. Most rooms have a private bathroom with a shower, toilet and basin, and residents share a kitchen. Some are 'room only', where students share the bathroom and kitchen, and there are also self-contained studios. All rooms include a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe, and shared rooms are available form students on a tighter budget. Students' safety is UAL's priority, and all halls have CCTV, secure entry and staff available 24 hours a day.

Prices: Standard rooms range from £138 - £189 (14411 ₽ - 19737 ₽) per week for a standard room, and £200 - £273 (20886 ₽ - 28509 ₽) for studios. However, there are further options available such as shared rooms, rooms with shared bathrooms, and ensuite rooms for students on a range of budgets.

The University's Careers and Employability team will equip you with the skills to develop your practice, business and employment prospects.

Services and activities include a range of business advice workshops, talks and networking events, work opportunities and a dedicated website with valuable information and resources. Artsmart Graduate Career Fair and Creative Enterprise Week are two further initiatives which support the prospects of UAL students and graduates.

Careers and Employability also manages the in-house temping agency ArtsTemps, online jobs board Creative Opportunities, Artquest, which provides support to visual artists and craftspeople, and Own-it, which provides intellectual property advice for students and graduates.

Career support can be found across UAL, in the form of professional development programmes, talks and events, work placements, internships, awards, bursaries and exhibitions.Creative Opportunities is UAL’s jobs and work-placement website. The University advertises as many as 500 vacancies each month.

ArtsTemps is the in-house recruitment agency, run by Careers and Employability. It recruits students and recent graduates for paid temporary jobs across UAL, providing hands-on creative experience and the opportunity to work on a range of projects tailored to your skills.

There are limits on the amount of hours international students can work on a study visa, so you should always check the rules before you take on a part-time job.