Published November 26, 2025

Start Your College Journey at NYU London with the Global Gateway Program

Staff Writer

Study Abroad

A city street scene in London on a clear day, with a red double-decker bus passing in front of a stone building lined with arched windows and trees in early spring foliage. People walk through the plaza under a bright blue sky.

Beginning college is a big step—and at NYU, you can do it in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Welcoming its inaugural cohort in Fall 2026, the NYU London Global Gateway program allows NYU students to spend their first year in the United Kingdom’s iconic capital. From day one, you’ll live in the heart of London, joining a close-knit group of peers and taking rigorous courses taught by NYU faculty.

“The experience is about so much more than academics,” says Kelly Lee. She’s a Data Science and Economics double major who began her NYU journey in London as part of the Liberal Studies First Year Away program. “It’s about discovering yourself, learning independence, making new friends, and picking up survival skills for living abroad. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

A group of people walk across the Millennium Bridge in London on a clear day, with St. Paul’s Cathedral prominently visible in the background.

What You Need to Know

The NYU London Global Gateway program brings together several first-year opportunities across various NYU schools.

NYU Stern School of Business students pursuing the BS in Business program can also complete their first year in London, gaining a global perspective from the start. The program is especially appealing to those interested in careers in Europe or international business.

At NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, students have two London-based opportunities. Media, Culture, and Communication (MCC) majors can begin their spring semester studies at NYU London. Here, small classes help students build strong connections with faculty and peers. Additionally, Music Business majors can complete their first year in London, immersing themselves in the music industry.

Two women walk and chat on a London street as a red double-decker bus makes its way to Trafalgar Square behind them.

Why NYU London?

At NYU London, the city itself becomes part of your education. Courses extend beyond the classroom into case studies with global companies, faculty-led visits to cultural institutions, and engagement opportunities with tech hubs. For instance, Kelly recalls her writing professor leading trips to Electric Avenue and Highgate Cemetery.

“They were both historically significant and incredibly beautiful,” she says. “As a result, the trips gave us so much to reflect on in our writing.” Zhiyuan Tong, a Liberal Studies major from Vancouver, Canada, who is currently spending his first year at NYU London, has found inspiration not only in class but in everyday moments. “I love walking past the Royal Courts of Justice on my way to class,” he says. “I think about how something astonishing has probably happened on that same ground, centuries ago, for every step you walk.”

Meanwhile, you’ll benefit from the same challenging courses offered in New York City, taught by local experts and NYU professors. Small classes mean professors know your name and can offer mentorship from the start. All along, you’ll have the chance to explore a new city by seeing new sites, trying new foods, and making new memories. “There aren’t many chances for you to live abroad for months and be absorbed in a foreign land and culture,” Zhiyuan adds. “So, do it while you have the opportunity. Also, contrary to popular belief, you can easily find great-tasting food here.”

Two people talk along the River Thames on a sunny day, Tower Bridge spreading across the sky behind them.

A First Year to Remember

Choosing to study away during your first year can feel like a bold choice. But the payoff is real. While other students are adjusting to campus life, students who begin at NYU London quickly gain independence and confidence. “I knew that later on in my college career, I would want to settle down in New York City—finding internships and focusing on career growth,” Kelly reflects. “That made my first year the perfect time to be adventurous, explore, and learn about history in one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world. That decision pushed me to learn more about myself than ever before.”

By the time you transition to New York City as a sophomore, you’ll already have a strong academic foundation, an international network, and the experience of living in one of the world’s most globally connected cities. Many students return as leaders and mentors among their peers, poised to take on new challenges and thrive in their studies.

A close-up view of classic red British telephone booths, dappled shade falling across their worn surfaces.

Other Opportunities to Explore NYU London as a First Year

Liberal Studies First Year Away students can begin their NYU experience in London while following the same curriculum offered in New York City.

For Zhiyuan, the program was a natural choice. “I grew up in a very multicultural place,” he explains. “So, I’ve always been fascinated by London’s historical importance and its influence on other cultures.”

Say Yes to London

If you’re ready to begin your NYU experience in London, opting in is simple. When you apply through the Common Application, just select your school and program of choice. Next, indicate NYU London as your preferred location.

Stern applicants to the BS in Business program will see an option to spend their first year at NYU’s London campus, while Liberal Studies students can select London from among four First Year Away options.

Once you’ve chosen London, all that’s left is to wait. You’re on your way to an unforgettable year.