Accommodations

Students on the Maryland-in-London program have two options for housing during their semester abroad.

International Students House (ISH)

The International Students House (ISH) offers residential accommodation to overseas and British students studying in London. ISH has two centrally-located residences on Great Portland Street and near Marylebone Road. Both locations are a 20-30 minute walk from Birkbeck College. The staff at ISH aims to introduce overseas students to various aspects of British life. The residence is roughly 20% British students, 7% American students and 73% other nationalities from around the world.

UM students at ISH will live in a double room with a British or International roommate.

As ISH rooms are not equipped with kitchens, students typically eat in the student restaurant on site. British dorms are typically quieter than dorms on U.S. campuses, so students should not expect to find a “party” atmosphere.

ISH Fees

The total fee for living at ISH for the Fall 2009 semester was £1,957.85, £550 of which is refundable.

These fees must be paid with a credit or debit card. Meals are at an additional cost and average about £8-10/day. Students pay all fees directly to ISH. Please visit www.xe.com for the current exchange rate.
As Maryland places only 8 students at ISH, interested students should apply early to the program. Priority is based on the date of receipt of a student’s $500 deposit following acceptance into the London program.

Apartments

Students who choose to live in apartments have two options. Students may either locate a flat independently or sign a binding lease with our flat booking agency, Euracom.

Euracom Flat

Euracom flats are typically made up of two double rooms and one bathroom. Students most often share a room with another student. All flat residents will be Maryland-in-London participants. Housing options are selected and roommates chosen following admission into the program. The Study Abroad Office staff will assist in determining roommates, if necessary.

Euracom flats are fully-furnished and equipped with kitchen supplies for cooking. Euracom can also make special accommodations for students (i.e. kosher kitchen).

Euracom Fees

The total fee for living in a Euracom flat for the Fall 2009 semester was approximately £3,000, about £550 of which is refundable.

These fees must be paid with a credit or debit card. Please visit www.xe.com for the current exchange rate.

Independent Flat

The Resident Director is available to assist students in their housing search for an independent flat. Typically, students have secured a lease and arranged accommodation before departure, or have found accommodation within seven days of arrival. If students do not have a flat secured prior to arriving in London, they must plan to arrive in London at least a week before classes in order to arrange housing before classes begin. The program can help to secure temporary housing and provide contact information for local housing agents.