King's College London, University of London

King's College London, University of London

Founded in 1829, King’s College London (KCL) has arguably got it all. Russell Group university? Yep. Fantastic academic reputation? Absolutely. One of the best graduate employment rates in the UK? Affirmative. Plethora of brilliant facilities? Yes. Enviable location in the heart of London? Yes, yes, yes!

If you decide to go to King’s, you can pick and choose from the hundreds of courses which are taught within the university’s nine academic schools: Arts & Humanities, Biomedical Sciences, Dental Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Law, Medicine, Natural & Mathematical Sciences, Nursing & Midwifery and Social Sciences & Public Policy.

So then, is it really a university fit for kings? Well, it’s certainly good enough for a few archbishops, a bunch of Nobel Prize winners, some of the 21st century’s most exciting musicians, a handful of hilarious comedians and some of the greatest writers the world has ever known. Indeed, KCL’s list of impressive alumni includes: Desmond Tutu, Florence Nightingale, Rory Bremner, Tom Rosenthal (Friday Night Dinner), Kele Okereke (Bloc Party), Justin Hayward-Young (The Vaccines), John Keats, Thomas Hardy and Jack Collins (Managing Editor of AllAboutCareers).

King's College London, University of London

King’s College London is inextricably linked with the exhilarating city where the university is located. This is certainly not an isolated campus university. As soon as you step off the premises of KCL’s five campuses, you’ll find yourself in the thick of the urban playground that is London. Four of the campuses are actually dotted along the River Thames, slap-bang in the centre of London, while the fifth campus, Denmark Hill, is situated in South London’s gritty, cultural capital, Camberwell.

The Strand Campus is right next-door to Somerset House, just across the river from the National Theatre; the Waterloo Campus is a short walk across Waterloo Bridge, next to the Southbank Centre and the IMAX Cinema; the St Thomas’ Campus is a stone’s throw from the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament; and the Guy’s Campus is located in London Bridge, a short stroll away from Borough Market.

King's College London, University of London

All full-time undergraduates get the opportunity to live in university accommodation for at least one year. Understandably, most people chose to live in halls during their first year. International students and people whose home address is outside the M25 ring road are guaranteed accommodation in their first year. People already living in London can still apply, but their applications will not be prioritised.

King’s College London has seven student halls: Great Dover Street Apartments, Stamford Street Apartments, Brian Creamer House, Wolfson House, Hampstead Residence and King’s College Hall, which are located in various locations across London. King’s College Hall is the only catered halls of residence.

Students also have the opportunity to live in intercollegiate halls, most of which are located near Russell Square. The student accommodation at King’s is likely to cost you between £70 and £110 a week.

King's College London, University of London

If you’re starting your degree in 2012, you will be required to pay £9,000 each year because of the impending rise in tuition fees.

King's College London, University of London

We hate to break it to you, but London is expensive. The capital is certainly the most expensive place for you to go to university in the country; accommodation is more expensive, drinks are more expensive, food is more expensive and public transport is, yes, you guessed it, pretty darn expensive!

Don’t let that put you off though! For many people, living and studying in London is an unrivalled experience. If you manage your money effectively, you can find ways to live on a student budget. More good news: if you study in London, you will receive a higher student loan! Woop!

King's College London, University of London

Students starting in 2011 entitled to the Maintenance Grant from Student Finance England will also receive a bursary from King’s College London of up to £1,350. 40 students who have excelled in their programme of academic study will also be selected each year to receive a scholarship of £1,800.

Some students starting in 2012 will be entitled to receive a range of new bursaries and scholarships which will be assessed on household income and academic performance, including the King’s Living Bursary (£1,000 max per year), the King’s Student Fund (£3,000 max per year) and the National Scholarship Programme, which involves a £6,000 fee waiver.

King's College London, University of London

Understandably, London has a fantastically varied and exciting nightlife to meet all tastes; from East London’s hipster bars and West London’s gastropubs, to South London’s hidden gems and Central London’s super-clubs. However, if you want to find some action closer to campus, there is plenty on offer to keep you occupied.

The Strand Campus boasts a bar called the Waterfront and a club called Tutu’s. Both venues have cheap drinks and amazing views over the Thames. Tutu’s plays host to various club nights every week that will satisfy all music tastes, such as the indie club night, After Skool, and the infamous cheesy-pop night, Phase. The student union also puts on some pretty big bands throughout the year. The Guy’s Campus also has its own bar and a club called Inverse, which hosts various events throughout the year, especially during Fresher’s Week. Many of the halls of residence have their own bars too.

King's College London, University of London

King’s College London is jam-packed with student societies that will quench anyone’s thirst for activity and social interaction. If you’re interested in photography, dance, film-making, snooker, debating, politics, indie music or anything else, you will find something that interests you. If you’re a budding journalist, you could also write for the university’s student newspaper, Roar.

If you want to play sport, then KCL is the place for you. Most of the university’s sports pitches and facilities are located outside of Central London, but the extensive sports grounds accommodate all kinds of sports, from football, rugby, netball, hockey and tennis, to swimming, cricket, squash, athletics and karate.

King's College London, University of London

Freshers’ week at King’s College London is a great way for you to find out what the university and the city of London has to offer. Freshers’ fairs are arranged at both the Guy’s and Strand campuses and a massive range of events will be on offer in the evenings at the university’s various bars and clubs. It doesn’t matter if you drink alcohol or not, there will be tons of opportunities for you to meet new people!

King's College London, University of London

King’s College London has a dedicated careers service, which helps students and graduates to find careers and helps organisations to find King’s graduates. The careers service team boasts around ten expert careers advisers, who can be reached via email, over the phone or in person at the Strand, Guy’s, Waterloo and Denmark Hill campuses.