What to expect before classes start at Northeastern University London

LONDON — Northeastern University’s London campus is preparing to welcome more than 1,000 new students this autumn. 

Many students will be taking transatlantic flights to their new base in London, while others will be making shorter journeys by road or rail to university. When they arrive at Northeastern University London, a packed schedule awaits. Prior to classes beginning on Monday, Sept. 14, new arrivals will be greeted with welcome events, orientation activities and community-building experiences, each designed to help students settle into life in London.

Jess Coverdale, head of residence services, and Ana Perez, student engagement programme manager, spoke to Northeastern Global News about what the new arrivals can expect

About 800 students participating in the London Scholars program will arrive in the British capital on Sept. 7 and 8. These are students enrolled at Northeastern’s Boston campus in the U.S. who will spend their first year on the London campus before moving back. 

Approximately 180 undergraduate students are expected to enroll as first-years at Northeastern University London, embarking on three-year degree programs. Registration starts on Sept. 7

Some 68 students taking part in the Semester In program, who will spend the Fall semester in London before heading to other campuses, will arrive on Sept. 8 and 9

Group flights booked by Northeastern will depart from Washington, D.C., New York, Houston, Boston, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco

Students travelling on booked group flights are scheduled to arrive on Sept. 8, while London Scholars travelling independently can check into the residence halls on Sept. 7

Students on group flights are automatically enrolled in a luggage transfer service. It is also available to some students travelling independently who register in advance

“Students who opt into the luggage transfer service can hand their bags over to our team at the airport, and we’ll make sure they are delivered directly to their residence hall,” said Coverdale

Northeastern staff will be at Heathrow Airport on Sept. 8 to welcome arriving students and assist them with travel to their accommodations. 

For London Scholar and Semester In students arriving from the U.S., Northeastern has partnered with student housing brands Chapter and Scape to provide three accommodation blocks in east London, all within a short distance of Devon House at St Katharine Docks and One Portsoken in Aldgate, the university’s main academic buildings

The three accommodation halls are Chapter Spitalfields, Chapter Aldgate and Scape Shoreditch. Northeastern has live-in staff based across the residences. 

The residence life team will be available to help new arrivals get acclimated to the neighborhood and learn where to find everyday essentials. 

Domestic students have been able to use our referral scheme to access Northeastern rates across several other student accommodation buildings and have the option to commute or rent privately. 

“We run tours around the local area so students can learn where essential services can be found, including pharmacies and grocery stores, and get a clear sense of what amenities are available near their accommodation,” Coverdale said

The residential staff will also be available for round the clock support to students for the rest of the academic year

As students prepare for their move to London, Coverdale recommends leaving a little extra space in their luggage

“Students are often tempted to pack every inch of their luggage, but I always recommend keeping some space free for the items and souvenirs they’ll want to bring home with them,” she said

Students living in partnered accommodations will find bedding and kitchen packs waiting for them on arrival. Bedding packs include a duvet, pillows, fitted sheets and accompanying linens and covers. A kitchen pack includes two saucepans, a frying pan, basic utensils, kitchen knives, a chopping board, plates, a bowl, a mug, a glass and cutlery

“We aim to make sure students have almost everything they need when they arrive. Bring your own towel, please. But all the other essentials for their first day are already provided,” said Coverdale

Induction and welcome activities to help students get to know both the university and their new city will take place from Sept. 7-13. 

Welcome Week includes optional events such as bus and boat tours of London, visits to major landmarks, trips to the theater and other opportunities to explore neighborhoods across the capital

Academic introductions will take place on Friday, Sept. 11, giving students an opportunity to meet advisers and classmates, take part in degree-related workshops and engage with the Students’ Union and other student organizations before classes begin on Sept. 14

Parents traveling with their children from the U.S. will be able to attend a reception on Sept. 7 and 8 at One Portsoken (One Portsoken Street, London E1 8PH). 

Convocation, a welcoming ceremony for all first-year students, will take place on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Indigo at The O2 in North Greenwich

The event brings together London Scholars and domestic students for an introduction to university life, followed by a series of community-building activities

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, all students at Northeastern in London are invited to Husky Fest. This event transforms the docks area near Devon House into a celebration featuring a stage, food vendors, a soft drinks bar, photo booths and other activities

The university’s Societies Fair will take place at the same time, allowing students to learn more about clubs, organizations and extracurricular opportunities available on campus

For students looking to grab a bite, Coverdale has two recommendations

“For food near campus, St Katharine Docks Café is a great option for sandwiches, while White Mulberries is a student favorite if you’re looking for something a little different,” said Coverdale

“On a sunny day, both spots are perfect places to sit outside and enjoy the surroundings. Even after five years working for Northeastern in London, I’m still struck by how beautiful this part of the city is,” she said

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Source: news.northeastern.edu