Although students will be paying in state tuition rates to USC, the United Kingdom is an expensive place to study abroad due to the weak exchange rate between the dollar and pound. Due to this fact, students need to budget accordingly and be aware that prices will be much higher while in the UK for room and board (estimated to be £1,492-£1,651/month)  which will be paid on site in London.

Students typically take 12 - 15 credits  (24 - 30 ECTS credits) per semester. Richmond offers a wide range of courses in the Humanities, Social Science, Business, and Arts. Students can expect small class sizes with substantial weekly contact hours. Students also have the possibility of completing an internship during their study abroad. Internships run 8 - 9 weeks for a minimum of 4 -5 days per week. 

To see courses USC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table. 

The Student Affairs office at Richmond offers a variety of trips around the UK and beyond and a pleathora of on campus organizations. On campus student organizations such as the Richmond Stags Football club and the Great British Baking Society also provide students with the opportunity to get involved with peers and the local community. 

Per university policy, all USC students will be charged for  emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance of  for their time abroad. Students will be enrolled in this insurance by the education abroad office prior to their departure. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details. 

Richmond offers a list of recommended housing providers, including iQ Haywood House, which is a 25-minute train ride from the Chiswick campus. The accommodation offers en suite rooms in shared apartments and studios with a range of attractive social spaces, regular events and great onsite facilities including a gym, cinema and free, super-fast WiFi. Richmond also provides a list of alternative accommodation partners. Prices for Haywod House and other partners vary by room size and/or location and will be paid on site in London. 

Classes begin in early January and go until early May for the spring semester. Fall semester classes begin in early September and finish in mid December. Students can study at Richmond for the fall or spring semester, or full the academic year. 

 Richmond offers an orientation program for new international students a few days before classes begin. Information on the local area, the university, and other important details will be provided during this time.

U.S. citizens who attend Richmond for one semester (less than 6 months) do not need to apply for a visa in advance. You will receive a Student Visitor visa at the airport. Students studying for the full academic year will need to apply for the PBS Tier Four General Student visa.

Starting on January 8th, 2025 all US passport holders who do not hold a visa [non-visa nationals aka, those studying in the UK for under 6 months will require that students obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to entry to the UK. With the ETA, all non-visa nationals may enter and leave the UK freely within the UK at any time (within a 6 month period). Students must obtain this prior to their first entry to the UK. To gain more information on the ETA, please contact the Education Abroad Office and/or consult the Visa Tips and Information Page. If you hold an EU or UK/Ireland passport, please contact the Education Abroad Office to determine your eligibiility to enter without the ETA. 

Please Note: If you are completing an internship, this will change your Visa requirements. Please see Richmond's Student Visa Guide.