International student support
International student life at Imperial explained
Our culturally rich campus is enhanced by the diversity of our student community representing over 130 nations.
We're ranked as one of the UK's most international universities and the fifth most international in the world. We're also the UK university with the most international outlook, meaning that a significant amount of our research involves international collaboration.
We are proud to offer a wide range of support to help students settle into life in the UK and the College.
English courses and support
English language workshops, courses, one-to-one consultations and self-study resources are all offered through the Centre for Academic English. These help with your language needs for academic studies, preparing you to represent your work in publications and conferences.
Partner with a native English speaker who wants to learn your language and learn more informally through a language exchange.
Read how student blogger Paula experienced studying at Imperial as a non-native English speaker.
Visa help
Professional advisors offer advice on a range of UK visa and immigration issues. This includes work-after-study visa options and information on Schengen visas for travel in Europe.
Our support team can offer help with other issues such as setting up a UK bank account. They can even give you advice on visa applications before you arrive at the College.
International Student Support team
Social programme
Enjoy a year-round programme of social activities, open to all students and run by the International Student Support team.
This includes day trips around the UK and a monthly Cosmopolitan Café event, offering refreshments, guest speakers and the chance to meet people from across the world. The team can also offer advice for international students with families.
We subscribe to a number of external organisations that offer you further support:
- International Students House which organises social events, talks and trips within the UK and Europe for students from London institutions.
- HOST UK through which you can spend a weekend with a British family in a UK location you would like to visit.
Clubs and societies
Meet students from your home country, or join others for a truly cross-cultural experience. We’re home to more than 45 cultural societies, including the Afro-Caribbean society, the Japanese society, the Scandinavian society and many more.
If you don’t see your own country currently represented, we can give you help to start your own society.