Should I bring my laptop computer to London with me?
YES! We have wireless internet at the Centre so you can use your laptop to research papers or book your next flight to Barcelona! We also have a few desktops but having your laptop with you will allow for more freedom. Please note that AHA is not liable for your personal belongings so carry your laptop responsibly, eg: do not use it on public transport in full view of other passengers and don’t forget in it on the train! Please note that the use of computers during class time is strictly forbidden.
|
I play the guitar - can I bring mine over?
You can, but bear in mind that it may be difficult to carry around and be a disturbance in your homestay. There is a resident guitar and old piano at the London Centre, which can be respectfully used with permission (not to be taken away!). We encourage students to perform during our student social events (Thanksgiving, end-of-term party, etc).
|
Do I need to bring a suit or formal clothes with me?
Not really. Jeans and a shirt, even a T-shirt, are perfectly acceptable in London theatres and even at the opera. HOWEVER, if you are planning to do an internship during your stay, you may want to bring a suit or formal wear for your interview.
|
How far is the London Centre from, well…everything?
The Holborn Public Library is around the corner from us, as are many sandwich eateries (ideal to grab a quick lunch). We are also a few minutes walk away from the British Museum and Covent Garden. We are on the route of many buses that will take you to Angel, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and the South Bank/Waterloo in minutes. Holborn, Chancery Lane and Russell Square Tube stations are close by and you can also walk to King’s Cross or Euston Station.
|
Can I travel every weekend?
You can use your free time to travel as you please, but don’t forget that many Fridays and some weekends can be booked for AHA excursions. You won't want to miss any programme trips, so before you book anything, check your AHA calendar and ask us to make sure the date is free! Also, don’t forget to inform us of your plans by filling in a weekend travel form and to tell your homestay family when you’ll be back home. Semester and Quarter students will be given an opportunity for extended travel during the mid-term break. You must fill in a mid-term travel form and hand it in to Maggie or Mary in the office.
|
Where and when can I use my transport pass (Oyster card)?
You can use your Oyster card during the entire duration of the AHA programme. The card is valid 24/7 on all 6 London zones on buses, underground trains (the Tube, you know it as ‘subway’) and overland trains. (N.B. Summer Programme students receive a zone 1-2 Oyster card as their accommodation is that much closer to the London Centre.)
|
Where does my money go?
Your programme costs cover:
- Course materials:
- mandatory course books - these are yours to keep and take back home (but if you can't fit them in your suitcase, we will gladly take them off your hands :¬))
- less essential academic books are available to borrow in our on-site student library and there is a reading area in the student lounge containing 'lighter' literature
- Accommodation, plus two loads of laundry per week (see our housing page for exact details)
- Daily breakfast and four evening meals per week
- Tuition from our professors (see our faculty page for details) You may choose between 2 and 5 courses per programme (see Fall Semester info as an example of available courses). Your programme fees remain the same, regardless of how many courses you choose.
- Excursions (including train fares, accommodation, entry to places of interest, gallery/museum exhibitions, plays and other theatre events, workshops, guest speakers, external lectures, workshops...)
- On-site orientation, including:
- introduction to programme courses
- tour of the London Centre
- lunch on the Monday and Tuesday
- personal safety talk from a local policeman
- internship briefing (for accepted interns only)
- Thames river boat cruise and walk
- Opportunity to 'audit' classes before making final enrolment decision
- A London Oyster Travelcard (Zones 1-6 on tube, train and bus for day-to-day London travel) - see above for more details
- Medical insurance
Please note that enrolling institutions may charge additional fees. Airfare and expenses such as additional meals, incidentals, and personal travel are not included.
|
I'd like to do some work experience with a London-based company. Are internships included in the programme fees?
Yes, we provide opportunities for students to take part in internships in a variety of industries all over London.
Although you have to apply for the 'London Humanities with Internship' in a slightly different way to the normal 'London Humanities' programme, the fees are exactly the same.
|
What else do I have to pay for?
If you wish to make your own bookings for plays, travel, or anything else that we've not arranged as part of your course, you will have to pay for this yourself.
|
Can you explain what 'auditing' classes means...?
Before you arrive in London you will have (hopefully) made a decision about which courses you want to take whilst you're here.
This decision is not final until the second week of term (the Monday after orientation week when you will have to submit it to us in writing).
We encourage students to 'audit' other classes just to get an idea of what else is available. If during this time you want to change classes, you may. You may even add another course to your original list at no extra charge.
We recommend that you do 3 or 4 classes during the programme. You may want to do 5, but be aware that this course is very intensive in every way. Don't spread yourself too thin. Enjoy every aspect of the programme, not just the classes.
|
| |
Do you have a question about your stay in London with AHA? Send it to mary@ahalondon.org.uk and we’ll do our best to answer it quickly. |
