King’s College London: A diverse cultural hub

“London is fast-paced. You walk down the street and you can hear four different languages in any given block. It’s an incredible mix of diversity, I think you appreciate it once you’re surrounded by it.” – Noah, International Student at King’s College London

Founded in 1829 by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington, King’s College London is steeped in rich history and is widely regarded as one of the best university’s in the U.K.

With so much experience in the realm of higher education, King’s has earned a reputation as a world leader in the field, currently ranking 19^th in the respected QS World University Rankings, and 43^rd in the world for graduate employability, according to the Times Higher Education Global Employability Ranking 2015.

Each year, the university educates around 26,500 students from more than 150 countries worldwide, making it one of the largest international communities in the British university system. This means that King’s boasts an annual global alumni network of more than 48,000 qualified students, with the largest numbers hailing from the U.S., Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, France, Canada, Malaysia, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.

Image courtesy of King’s College London

“I chose to study in London because it’s such an international city with so many different cultures,” says Kendra, an international student at King’s College London. “I feel like I get to see so much more of the world just in one city in London, because it’s so diverse.”

As London’s most central university, King’s College students can take advantage of a wealth of exclusive opportunities available in the UK capital. Being Europe’s most populous metropolis, encompassing a total of 32 boroughs and a number of quaint little villages, London attracts the best in the world for cultural, business, political, media, legal and sporting events.

“When I started doing my research for schools, I looked at all the schools in the London area, and King’s is just where it all fell into place,” notes Noah, another King’s international student. “It was in the perfect location and it has a strong history of English literature.”

“Studying abroad is very important, I mean, if you study history, it’s weird to see history come to life,” he adds. “I’m taking a British history course, and it’s entirely different when you get here and you can just see it; all the bridges, theatres, palaces. It’s just sort of a way to take my studies and turn it into reality. Something tangible, something I can touch.”

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As one of the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities, London captivates visitors from all walks of life. “Just the scope of how many people are always around and always awake, I feel like this city is 24/7,” Kendra explains.

“I think it’s really important to get a global perspective, and London is one of the best cities to do that,” she points out, and with more than 300 languages being spoken throughout London’s streets, she certainly isn’t wrong.

With such a diverse student population forming a colourful cultural spectrum, staff at King’s Study Abroad Office and international student support team do everything they can to help students feel at home. “King’s has been really great about welcoming me and guiding me in the right direction,” says Kendra, and with the experienced team of staff on-hand to offer counsel and advice, King’s global student body have everything they need to build a ‘home away from home’ in the heart of the UK capital.

Image courtesy of King’s College London

The university is renowned for its comprehensive array of student clubs and societies, catering to all manner of interests and cultures.

“Over the last three years, the university has developed symbiotic partnerships with artists and cultural organisations that enhance the King’s experience for academics and students while adding value across the cultural sector,” says Deborah Bull, Kings’ Assistant Principal of Culture and Engagement.

“From uniquely tailored teaching, training and internship programmes, to collaborative research projects and enquiries, to exhibitions and public events, arts and culture are helping to generate new approaches, new insights and new connections – across the university and beyond.

Here at King’s, we are seeing first-hand evidence of the impact of arts and culture on a concern that is closer to home and foremost in our minds: offering all our students an outstanding experience, harnessing the talent within and around King’s to ensure our graduates achieve their full potential.”

For all these reasons – and so many more – there has never been a better time to become part of the diverse culture at King’s College London.

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Featured image courtesy of King’s College London