Living in London

Your semester in London will be full of discovery—new routines, new surroundings, and a new sense of independence. Living alongside your Oxford cohort, you’ll settle into a neighborhood that quickly becomes familiar, navigate London’s world‑class transportation system, and develop a rhythm that balances academic life, exploration, and community. 

Housing at The Stay Club Kentish Town

For Fall 2026, all Oxford Launch students will live at The Stay Club Kentish Town, a modern, student‑focused residence hall located in a lively, well‑connected North London neighborhood. Kentish Town blends the energy of London with the warmth of a residential area, offering quick access to grocery stores, cafés, parks, restaurants, and multiple Tube and bus lines. 

What to Expect at Your Residence Hall 

The Stay Club is designed for student comfort and safety. You can expect: 

  • Secure, student‑only access 
  • On‑site staff who support safety and building operations 
  • Reliable high‑speed internet 
  • On‑site laundry 
  • Access to community lounges and study areas 
Room & Kitchen Layout 

All students in the cohort will have the same housing style, featuring: 

  • Shared rooms (two students per room) 
  • Private en‑suite bathrooms 
  • Compact kitchenettes 

This setup gives students a consistent living experience and a built‑in roommate community from day one. More detailed room information, including housing assignments, what’s provided, and residence expectations, will be available in the London Essentials Canvas course and the MyIESAbroad portal throughout the summer. 

Your Neighborhood: Kentish Town 

Kentish Town offers an inviting blend of local charm and city convenience. The streets surrounding The Stay Club are lined with independent cafés, bakeries, and restaurants, making it easy to find your favorite morning coffee spot or a quick dinner with friends. Several supermarkets and fresh‑food shops are just a short walk away, giving students access to groceries and everyday essentials. Kentish Town also has quick access to multiple Tube lines and bus routes. 

Green spaces like Talacre Gardens and Hampstead Heath are nearby, offering beautiful places to walk, study outdoors, or unwind. The neighborhood also sits near Camden Town, one of London’s most vibrant districts and known for its markets, live music venues, and creative energy. 

Gym Access 

 One of the advantages of The Stay Club Kentish Town is its on‑site gym, giving students a convenient way to stay active without leaving the residence hall. For those who prefer additional options, the neighborhood offers excellent alternatives. 

Meals

Oxford Launch students are enrolled in a dining meal plan that provides daily breakfast and dinner, offering two meals each day while leaving lunch flexible based on your schedule and preferences. Students arrange their own lunches, giving you flexibility to explore the food options near the IES London Center, try cafés with friends, or keep things simple based on your schedule. 

The meal plan is designed to support daily living in London and may help students manage overall food costs during the semester. Because of this, all students are automatically enrolled in the meal plan. If you prefer to make your own meal arrangements, you must opt‑out via the MyHousing portal by June 15, 2026. If you do not opt out by this deadline, you will remain enrolled and will be financially responsible for the full cost of the meal plan. 

For information regarding the Oxford Launch: London program meal plan options, click here.

Transportation in London

London’s transportation network is one of the most efficient and accessible in the world, and many students quickly learn how to navigate it. London’s system is designed for efficiency and convenience, making it simple to reach the IES London Center, explore new neighborhoods, or get across the city for a cultural outing. 

Your Commute 

You’ll typically travel to the IES London Center by Tube or bus, with commute times in the 30-40 minute range, depending on time of day and route. The Overground and walkable paths offer alternate options, and many students enjoy varying their commute depending on weather or personal preference. These commute times are typical for London university students and place you at a comfortable distance from both campus spaces and many of the city’s cultural sites. 

Your Oyster Card 

Oxford Launch students receive support to ensure commuting is simple throughout the semester. When you arrive in London, you’ll receive an initial travel card that provides enough funds for your first days in the city while you get settled. 

Shortly after arrival, students will apply for their own Student Oyster Card, which offers discounted fares for the Underground, buses, London Overground, and other transport options across the city. Once your Student Oyster Card is issued, IES Abroad will provide transportation funds that you can add to your card periodically throughout the semester. These funds are designed to support the routes you’ll use most—such as travel between Kentish Town, the IES London Center, and many of the cultural areas you’ll explore. 

IES Abroad will guide you through the application process and explain how transportation support works, including when and how you’ll receive your initial card and ongoing funds. For now, rest assured that you will have reliable, supported access to London’s public transit network from the moment you arrive. 

Health Insurance & Support

 Oxford Launch students are covered by Emory’s international travel insurance and by CISI insurance through IES Abroad. This provides access to: 

  • Medical appointments 
  • Mental health support 
  • Emergency services 

  • 24/7 assistance 

More information about this insurance will be available in the London Essentials Canvas course and the MyIESAbroad portal throughout the summer. 

Daily Life in London

Daily life in London unfolds differently for every student, and there’s no single “right” way to settle in. Some students ease into routines quickly, while others take more time. Both are completely normal. Over the course of the semester, you’ll naturally find your own rhythm as you explore the city, adjust to your surroundings, and discover what makes you feel grounded and connected. 

A week might include classes at the IES London Center, trying a new café with friends, wandering through a market or museum, or relaxing in your room after a full day of commuting and exploration. As you get to know the city, you’ll find small rituals that become your own — your favorite bakery, the Tube route you can navigate without thinking, a study nook that feels right, or a neighborhood walk that helps you reset. London has countless possibilities, and part of the experience is discovering how to make the city feel like your own.