Frequently Asked Questions – NU London
Congratulations! You have been offered the opportunity to join the inaugural class at Northeastern
University London (NU London). Students admitted to NU London will have the unique and exciting
opportunity to study simultaneously for two globally recognized degrees – a U.K. bachelor’s degree
awarded by Northeastern University London, and a U.S. bachelor’s degree awarded by Northeastern
University. Responses to select frequently asked questions are provided below. You can also direct any
unanswered questions to the NU London admissions team at admissi[email protected].
Double Degree Program & Advantages
All students admitted to Northeastern University London have been admitted into the Double Degree
Program, which provides students with the following advantages:
• Two globally recognized degrees, one in the United Kingdom from Northeastern University
London, and one in the United States from Northeastern University, providing students with a
competitive advantage in the global workforce.
• Opportunity to spend up to 18 months overseas, either on Northeastern’s campuses in Boston
or Oakland, or at a wide range of other global destinations via NU’s Dialogues of Civilizations
program.
• Depending on whether you choose to spend your final year in the United Kingdom or the United
States, students may be eligible for Post Study Work Visas in the United Kingdom or Optional
Practical Training (OPT) in the United States.
How is the double degree
program structured?
Students in the double degree program can choose either the
standard 4-year program or an accelerated 3-year program:
• In either program, students will spend the first 3 years
studying primarily at Northeastern University London,
although students will have the opportunity to study
overseas on Northeastern’s campus in either Boston or
Oakland during the second semester in their second year.
• Students in the 4-year program can choose to spend their
entire fourth year studying either at Northeastern’s campus
in Boston or Oakland.
• Students in the 3-year accelerated program will fulfill the
additional academic requirements by completing courses
each summer either on Northeastern’s campus in Boston or
Oakland, or at a wide range of other global destinations via
NU’s Dialogues of Civilizations program.
What major was I admitted
into?
Your NU London major is indicated on your decision letter which
you can access through your Application Status Check portal.
Will I receive two degrees
upon successfully completing
the program?
Yes! You will receive your U.S. bachelor’s degree from
Northeastern University in the United States, and your U.K.
bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University London.
How can I complete my first
bachelor’s degree in only 3
years?
In many countries around the world, bachelor’s degree seeking
programs are only 3 years.
What is the difference between a 3 year and a 4-year program?
• Most universities outside of the United States do not
require students to complete general education
requirements, or liberal arts courses (before declaring your
major).
• Degrees in the United Kingdom are more focused. As
opposed to spending your first year completing general
education requirements, students in the United Kingdom
will choose their major before starting university and will
dive right into their major in their first year. In many
instances, students U.K. degree programs can complete
more courses in their major (when compared to students in
U.S. degree programs).
• U.K. degree seeking program typically place greater
emphasis on independent study and research than degree
programs in the United States. Students are expected to
take more responsibility for their own education, which can
help students develop important skills such as self-
discipline, time management, and self-motivation.
Can I transfer to the Boston
campus?
Very few students are permitted to transfer from NU London to
NU Boston, and transfer is only permitted for very rare and unique
circumstances. Any student who accepts an offer to join the NU
London community should anticipate being on the London campus
for all but 18 months during either the 4-year program or the 3-
year accelerated program.
How much is the enrollment
deposit for NU London?
•
1st enrollment deposit: $1,200 by May 1
• 2nd enrollment deposit: $2,500 by June 1 (required for all
students who must obtain a U.K. student visa in order to
study at NU London)
• Please note: NU London will not issue your Confirmation of
Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is required for your
U.K. student visa, until we receive your second enrollment
deposit.
How do I submit my NU
London enrollment deposit?
• Log into your Application Status Check.
• Locate the Required Admitted Student Checklist Items.
• Before you can submit your enrollment deposit, you will
need to complete the Terms of Enrollment.
• Once completed, you will find a new requirement on the
checklist.
• Select “Submit London 1st Deposit.”
• Once you click “Submit Payment,” you will receive a
confirmation email with instruction on submitting your
enrollment deposit.
What is Northeastern
University London?
Founded in 2012, Northeastern University London is an English
university that teaches undergraduate, master's, and postgraduate
degrees to students from around the world. NU London, formerly
New College of the Humanities, has been a part of the
Northeastern global campus network since 2019. In addition to
teaching full-term students English degree programmes, NU
London welcomed Northeastern students on a range of study
abroad programmes. NU London offers a broad liberal arts-inspired
curriculum guided by highly personalized teaching and support. The
university delivers the caliber of teaching, wealth of resources, and
support services that you expect from part of the Northeastern
family, with a distinctly English flavour.
Academics & Advising
Does NU London have a core
curriculum?
No. Degrees in the United Kingdom are typically more focused than
degrees in the United States, which is why most bachelor’s degrees
in the United Kingdom are 3 years, and not 4 years.
Can I change my major?
Depends. Students who have been admitted to NU London, but
who have not yet deposited can request a major change by emailing
the NU London admissions team at admissions@nulondon.ac.uk.
Majors will only be updated after the admissions team determines
whether you’ve met the necessary entry requirements for the new
major.
Once you’ve received your student visa, however, you are no
longer permitted to change your major. Changing your major at that
point would require you to leave the United Kingdom, return to
your home country, and submit a new student visa application.
What is the average class size
at NU London?
Lectures are usually fewer than 40 students. Smaller seminars and
tutorials also form part of the teaching schedule for many courses.
What is tutorial?
A tutorial is an interactive small group teaching methodology which
usually requires individual or group preparation for a presentation
or discussion on a piece of formative academic work.
How many courses do
students take each semester
at NU London?
Each semester, students will enroll in 4 courses, or 8 courses in
total per academic year. Each course is 15 credits, which is
equivalent to 4 credits in the United States.
Can I receive any advanced
standing transfer credit from
dual enrollment courses, AP
exams, IB exams, or A-Level
exams?
• Universities in the United Kingdom do not typically award
any advanced standing credit for dual enrollment courses,
AP exams, IB exams, or A-Level exams.
• When students begin their fourth year in the United States,
any prior credit will be evaluated for applicability towards
the remaining degree requirements. While dual enrollment
courses, AP exams, IB exams, and A-Level exams will all be
considered for advanced standing credit, credits typically
satisfy only first-year requirements, and not advanced
courses being taken by students in their 4th year.
When does the fall semester
begin and end? When does
the spring semester begin and
end?
NU London follows a semester system which generally aligns with
the NU Boston academic calendar. For the actual academic
calendar, please click here.
Housing & Residential Life
Where do students live?
Student accommodation is located in central London and is only a
20-minute walk from campus.
Are student guaranteed
housing for all 3-4 years?
No. Accommodation in London is guaranteed for the first year of
study, providing you confirm your accommodation by the deadline
set and communicated to you. Most students in London choose to
spend their second and third year in private rental accommodations
with fellow students.
When will I receive my
housing assignment?
Early August 2023.
Student Life
When is orientation?
Orientation begins on September 4th.
Will orientation be held
virtually or in-person?
Welcome Week will take during the week before classes begin.
Orientation is held in-person, on-campus and around London.
Orientation includes opportunities to socialize and prepare for your
studies. Sessions will also focus on student health, wellbeing, and
safety. Attendance is mandatory, and you will receive more
information throughout the summer before you start your degree.
When is move-in day for the
fall semester?
Move-in day is Saturday, September 2nd.
When I graduate, will I be
included in the Northeastern
alumni community?
Absolutely! You will join an alumni association which includes over
300,000 alumni who live in 180+ countries.
How accessible are health and
counseling services on
campus? Are there staff on-
site for emergencies?
NU London has its own on-campus and online support services.
You can find out about Student Support Service on the ground in
London here. If you choose to live in NU London's recommended
accommodation, the University has staff living on-site to support
students.
Does NU London offer co-op?
Yes. Students will have the opportunity to participate in co-op and
internships in London. Students who continue for the fourth year in
the United States can participate in co-op but participating would
delay their graduation.
Is it possible to connect with a
current NU London student?
Yes. You can connect with current students here:
https://www.nulondon.ac.uk/buddies/
Campus Life
I know London is an amazing
city, but why is London an
amazing student for students?
• Few cities rival London. Considered a global city, London
serves as a hub for finance, trade, and culture, making
London an amazing and dynamic place to be a student.
• Home to numerous museums, galleries, theatres, and
historical sites which will allow you to be immersed in the
arts, history, and culture of the city.
• London is also a major center for business, finance, and
technology. A wealth of opportunities exists, allowing
students to network and make connections which will
prepare you for careers after graduation.
Do students get any
perks/benefits/discounts with
retailers/vendors/businesses
in London?
Here is a list of local discounts in the area immediately surrounding
the NU London campus. Students can apply for an NUS TOTEM
Card which gives them a wide range of discounts.
How accessible is public
transportation?
Very! NU London’s campus is a 5–10-minute walk away from the
Tower Hill tube station (Circle and District lines on the London
Underground), and a 17-minute walk away from Aldgate tube
station (on the Circle and Metropolitan lines). NU London is an 18-
minute walk away from the nearest national railway station. The
River Boat is a 500 m walk away, and the area is well served by
several major bus routes.
How many undergraduate
students are currently
enrolled at NU London? How
many postgraduate students
are currently enrolled at NU
London?
Beginning in September 2023, we expect to welcome between
350-400 undergraduate students, and 350-400 postgraduate
students. An additional 700 students will study in London through
the Global Scholars Program in the 2023-2024 academic year, with
roughly 350 in both the fall and spring semesters.
Where is NU London's
campus? Is the neighborhood
safe?
NU London is in St Katharine Docks (SKD) which is located next to
Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. SKD is a pedestrianized
marina and community in the heart of London. While SKD is
generally considered a very safe area, all students who study in
major cities –like London, Boston, or Oakland – are always advised
to be aware of their surroundings, and use well-lit and populated
routes, and when possible, avoid walking alone at night.
Costs, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
Who is considered a Home
student?
A Home student refers to any student who is permitted to pay
lower university fees than any overseas students. In general, a
Home student includes any British or Irish citizen who have been
“ordinarily resident” in the United Kingdom for three years prior to
the start of university. For additional details and exceptions, please
visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
website, here.
What is the estimated cost of
attendance?
• Tuition and fees:
o For Home students: £9,250 per year (see here)
o For overseas students, including U.S. Citizens,
studying Economics, English, History, Philosophy,
Psychology, Politics & Data Science, Politics &
International Relations, and Philosophy & Computer
Science: £21,000 per year (see here)
o For overseas students, including U.S. Citizens,
studying Business, Data Science, and Computer
Science & Business: £25,000 per year (see here)
• Student accommodation: £18,500 for the first year
(estimated)
• All students who require a student visa must have at least
£1,334 set aside for personal expenses, per month for at
least 9 months. In total, students will need to demonstrate
at least £12,006 to cover any personal expenses.
• Please note: Students who begin their NU London degree in
September 2023 will continue to pay NU London tuition
even during their 4th year in either Boston or Oakland.
Are scholarships, grants or
loans available for students?
Students who were admitted in the double degree program,
regardless of citizenship, are considered for the Achievement
Scholarship, which ranges from $2,500 per year to $7,000 per year
but does not cover the full cost of attendance. Merit scholarships
are competitive awards, however, and only awarded to 10-15% of
the incoming class.
Home students are eligible for additional support which includes
the following:
• Eligible students can apply for a bursary, which can be used
to help with your tuition, student accommodation, or even
living costs. NU London awards bursaries on a yearly basis
with funds disbursed in three payments throughout the
academic year. For more information, see here.
• Student loans to assist with tuition are available for students
pursuing their first undergraduate degree. For more
information, you should contact the appropriate agency
based on your residency:
o See here for England.
o See here for Northern Ireland.
o See here for Scotland.
o See here for Wales.
Are U.S. Citizens who study at
NU London eligible for federal
student financial aid?
No. NU London is a foreign institution and wholly owned subsidiary
of Northeastern University and is not eligible to participate in FSA
programs. Students enrolled in NU London in a UK degree program
are not eligible for Federal Direct Loans, the Federal Pell Grant
Program, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
(SEOG) program, or the Federal Work-Study program. In addition,
students enrolled in the NU London Double Degree program are
not eligible for FSA during their fourth year of study in the U.S. to
obtain the U.S. bachelor’s degree component of the double degree.
Are U.S. citizens who study at
NU London eligible for private
student loan funding from a
U.S.-based lender?
Students should check with individual private lenders, since the
lender may require that the institution be listed on the U.S.
Department of Education’s list of International Schools That
Participate in the Federal Student Loan Programs to provide
funding. Currently, NU London does not participate in FSA
programs.
Are NU London students
eligible for Northeastern’s
National Scholarship?
National Recognition Scholars (National African-American, National
Hispanic, National Indigenous, and National Rural/Small Town) in
NU London are eligible for Northeastern’s National Scholarship.
Unfortunately, due to program restrictions, National Merit Finalists
in NU London are not eligible for the National Scholarship.
May a U.S. citizen use a 529
college savings plan to pay for
NU London?
A 529 college savings plan is a U.S. state-sponsored investment
plan that enables saving money for a beneficiary and payment for
education expenses. 529 plan funds may only be used for qualified
expenses at any college or university eligible to participate in FSA
administered by the U.S. Department of Education’s list of
International Schools That Participate in the Federal Student Loan
Programs. Since NU London is not eligible to participate in FSA
programs, 529 plan providers will not issue direct payments to NU
London. An account owner may be able to request a refund from
the plan to pay for qualified educational expenses. Students should
consult with a tax advisor regarding claiming any allowable tax
benefits.
How do I pay my tuition?
Students and families can either pay by academic year, by semester,
or monthly. To arrange your payment schedule, please contact
If you anticipate making payments from outside of the United
Kingdom, or wish to use your credit card, you might want to
consider making payments through NU London’s Transfermate
platform. Transfermate will permit you to make payments in your
own currency while ensuring NU London receives the correct
amount in Pounds Sterling (GBP). If you plan to use Transfermate,
please contact [email protected] as we will need to create
your account in advance.
Can I work or hold a part-time
job on or off-campus to make
additional spending money to
cover any personal expenses?
Yes, students are permitted to hold a part-time job to earn
additional spending money. Students studying in the United
Kingdom on a student visa may work up to 20 hours per week
during the semester, or full-time during university breaks.
What percent of graduates
are employed following
graduation?
94% are either employed or completing further study within 15
months after graduation.
