This week, we’re highlighting two outstanding Magellan Exchange partner universities in the United Kingdom: the University of East London and the University of Worcester. Both institutions provide a welcoming environment where international students can thrive academically while experiencing life in a traditional British setting. 

At the University of East London, students benefit from a personalized and flexible learning experience that emphasizes not only academic success but also career readiness, personal well-being, and the development of valuable professional skills. Meanwhile, the University of Worcester is known for its supportive campus community, high-quality teaching, and student-centered approach, creating an ideal environment to learn, grow, and make the most of your study abroad experience. No matter which university you choose, you’ll become part of a diverse, international community while immersing yourself in British culture. 

Students may apply for a semester or academic year:

University of East London:

See full list of courses here 

Fall Semester: late September to mid-January*
Spring Semester: late-January to late-May 

*Note: Final exams can generally be proctored by the home university in January but not guaranteed. 

Fun Facts about East London 

1. UEL has free buses to move between each one of their three main campuses around East London. 

2. The Student Life team and Student Union run a wide range of events to suit students’ needs, from theatre trips in the West End to broader visits amongst the UK. 

3. East London has London’s first public art walk known as ‘The Line’ running from Olympic Park to the Greenwich Meridian.

 

University of Worchester:  

See full list of courses here 

Fall Semester: mid-September to mid-January*
Spring Semester: mid-January to mid-May 

*Note: Final exams can generally be proctored by the home university in January but not guaranteed. 

 

Fun Facts about Worchester 

1. Worcester is surrounded by the rolling Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds, and offers sensational views of the Severn Valley. 

2. Their Library, The Hive, was Europe’s first joint university and public library and was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen in July 2012. 

3. The city rail links are excellent and were recently improved by the opening of the new Worcester Parkway station which strengthened connections to Nottingham, Cardiff and London. 

Housing 

At the University of East London (UEL), exchange students have the opportunity to live in modern, waterfront residence halls located right on campus. These accommodations are designed to be convenient, secure, and comfortable, with easy access to classrooms, campus amenities, and nearby attractions. Exchange student housing applications are prioritized, helping students secure on-campus accommodations before they arrive. Weekly housing costs typically range from £175-£231 (approximately $235-$310 USD) per week, depending on the room type and included amenities. 

For students who prefer to live off campus, UEL also offers advising support to help them find safe and comfortable housing. The university partners with several housing organizations to provide students with discounted accommodation options throughout the city. 

At the University of Worcester, exchange students are typically housed in a shared residence hall apartment, where each student has a private bedroom and either a shared or ensuite bathroom. Housing costs generally range from £130-£220 (approximately $175-$295 USD) per week. Once students receive their acceptance letter, they will be emailed booking instructions to reserve their accommodation before arriving in England. For more information, you can read their accommodation guide.

Get to Know the Cities of London & Worchester 

Students studying in London or Worcester will enjoy an exciting experience both on and off campus. From student activities and local attractions to convenient shopping and a comfortable climate, each destination offers opportunities to explore British culture, connect with others, and make the most of their time abroad.

Entertainment

Regardless of their choice to study in the heart of London or the historic city of Worcester, students will have plenty of opportunities to get involved both on and off campus. At each university, students can join a variety of clubs and societies through the Students’ Union, participate in sports and fitness programs, attend cultural events and workshops, and connect with other students through social activities. International students can also take advantage of dedicated support networks and organized excursions that make it easy to explore their new surroundings while building friendships. 

Beyond campus, each city offers its own unique experience. London is home to world-renowned museums, galleries, theaters, festivals, concerts, and iconic landmarks, providing endless opportunities to experience British culture. Worcester offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a lively calendar of local events, charming medieval architecture, riverside walks, parks, museums, shopping, sporting events, and cinemas. No matter which destination students choose, they’ll find countless ways to immerse themselves in campus life, discover the local community, and make the most of their time abroad.

Shopping 

Shopping is convenient at both host universities, with plenty of options for groceries, everyday essentials, and retail shopping. 

In London, most shops are open from 9:00am to 8:00pm Monday through Saturday and 11:00am to 5:00pm on Sundays, although many supermarkets and convenience stores offer extended hours, with some locations open 24 hours a day. Students will find a wide variety of supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience  stores, shopping centers, and local markets within walking distance or a short bus or train ride from campus.

 

For those looking for a larger shopping experience, Westfield Stratford City – one of Europe’s largest shopping centers – is easily accessible and features hundreds of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. 

In Worcester, students will find everything they need close to campus, including grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, cafés, and a variety of retail shops. Most stores are open between 8:00am and 8:00pm, with some supermarkets offering longer hours. The city center is compact and walkable, making it easy to shop for daily necessities, while larger supermarkets and shopping areas are also accessible by local bus. Worcester’s blend of national retailers, independent shops, and regular outdoor markets provides students with a convenient and welcoming shopping experience. 

Climate 

Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of London or the historic charm of Worcester, you’ll experience a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures typically reach 68-72°F (20-22°C), while winter highs average around 45-46°F (7-8°C). Be sure to pack layers, as the weather can change throughout the day, especially during the cooler months. 

 

For those interested in studying at either of these universities, you can schedule a meeting with IBP, and visit their respective Magellan pages to learn more about their exchange programs: University of East London and University of Worchester. 

Visit University of East London‘s website here

Visit University of Worchester‘s website here