Frequently Asked Questions about City University London Program

Requirements

Who can study there?

Minimum sophomore standing with a 3.0 GPA is required to apply to this program.

What are the programs dates?

The fall term runs from late September to mid-December, while the spring term runs from mid-January to mid-April.

Will my financial aid transfer? 

This is a Marquette-affiliated program; as such, federal financial aid applies but Marquette aid does not. However, the best resource for this question is the Office of Student Financial Aid in the 1212 Building. Call (414) 288-7390 to make an appointment.

Do I need a visa?  How do I get a visa? 

A visa/permit is not required if you are planning in staying in England for less than one year. If you plan in staying over a year, please contact the closest British Consulate for visa information.

Do I need vaccinations before I travel?

No special vaccinations are required. For additional information visit the Center for Disease Control's Traveler's Health Web site and/or International SOS.

About the Program

Who will my classmates be?

Your classmates will be from the UK, other European countries and the rest of the world.

How many classes are taken per semester, on average?

In general, a student takes a maximum of 5 classes per semester.

How many credits can I earn?

Marquette students earn a maximum of 15 credits per semester.

What subjects are offered?

Business, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Languages, Computing and Software Engineering, Engineering Law, Mathematics, Music, Nursing, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology. All courses are taught in English. A complete list of classes will be available when you apply.

Will my grades transfer? What are passing grades?

City’s grading system is similar to Marquette's, with the scale from A-F.  You will need to achieve a grade of C or higher in order for your class to transfer. Note, however, that although credits transfer, grades do not.

Where will I live?

Study abroad students are offered university accommodation of single study bedrooms in halls close to campus. All rooms have a telephone and an access point to the university computer network.

Is there an orientation?

Yes, there is an extensive orientation program before the start of each semester.

About the City

What is public transportation like?

London has a comprehensive and sophisticated public transportation system, which enables the visitor to move swiftly, economically and safely about the city. It gets fairly overcrowded and uncomfortable during the rush hours, but at other times you can move around in reasonable comfort.

The public transportation system has a number of component parts, including:

• Buses
• Underground (also called "The Tube")
• Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
• London's Mainline Railways (trains)

How do I get around?

The UK has an excellent railroad network, which you will be able to use to travel within England and throughout the rest of the UK. Student discounts are available, as are rail passes. In addition, discount airlines such as RyanAir and Easy Jet are based in the UK and provide inexpensive flights to locations throughout the UK and mainland Europe.

When registering as a student, you will be able to get a free National Union of Students (NUS) card that entitles you to discounts in the UK. The international student identity card (ISIC) entitles you to reductions on travel and other leisure activities and can be purchased in the Students’ Union or at City University.

What is the weather like?

London's climate is generally mild and damp, although it can be erratic. London is in one of the driest parts of Britain. However, the weather is generally cloudy, and some rain is liable to fall on half the days of the year. London has warmer summers than most of the island with an average temperature in July of about 18° C (64° F). Winters are relatively frosty, however, and the average temperature in January is 4° C (40° F). Fog frequently develops in winter.

What is the cost of living compared to the United States?

As of August 2005, the conversion rate of American Dollar to British pounds is 1.74:1.00.  This means that to buy something in the U.S. for $100 would cost about 56 British pounds. In addition, bear in mind that London is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Unfortunately, prices reflect this, and students will find cost of living significantly higher than in the U.S. With good budgeting and reasonable spending, however, London can still be a very affordable place to live.

How can I learn more about the city?

London is the capital of Britain and is situated in southeastern England along the Thames River. With a population of about 7.2 million, this vast metropolis is by far the largest city in Europe. Throughout the year London is buzzing with the excitement and anticipation of all kinds of events - from international championships like Wimbledon to the splendor and sophistication of Royal Ascot. Whatever time of the year you visit London, you will find plenty going on. For more information, please see Fodor's online guide.

Applying

What is the application deadline?

Program-specific applications are due to Dr. Jamshid Hosseini by March 1 for the fall semester, and October 1 for the spring semester.

How do I apply?

Program-specific applications are available from Dr. Jamshid Hosseini in DS 101.

Required Materials for Marquette University

See the Applying for Study Abroad Page to see Marquette's requirements.

Marquette Requirements Deadline

October 1 for the spring semester and March 1 for the fall semester, summer term, or academic year.