Details

• Great Britain & N.Ireland
• MACEMS-25
• Graduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 3 months

1. Preparation

London is an incredible, beautiful city, but the weather can be a bit unpredictable. It gets quite rainy, so definitely pack warm clothes and a waterproof jacket. Keep in mind that the cost of living is much higher than in Vienna, so it's smart to plan your budget and look for accommodation early. For getting around, stick to the Tube or buses—relying on a bike is risky since they often get stolen. The easiest way to get there is by plane.

2. Accommodation

Finding an apartment for under £1,500 a month for a short three-month stay is nearly impossible. You’re realistically looking at around £2,000 a month, including bills, depending on the area. I lived in Knightsbridge near Harrods and highly recommend it! Aside from a daytime armed robbery at the Rolex store, I only have great memories from my time there. Hyde Park is beautiful and makes for a fantastic running spot. My advice: don’t skimp too much on rent, or you won't fully enjoy London. Getting across the city is totally doable, but it can be a hassle—especially after midnight!

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is absolutely beautiful. However, finding a decent study spot is just like trying to find a seat in the WU library during exam week—pretty terrible! Luckily, the CEMS community is fantastic, and the local students will show you all the hidden study spots. There are couple lunch spots around campus - from budget sandwiches to healthy Farmer J - you can find nearly everything. The academic culture is completely different from WU, focusing much more on practical application rather than theoretical discussions. It’s a great place to study Finance, and the professors are absolute experts in their fields. I highly recommend taking the "Entrepreneurial Finance" course; it’s an emotional rollercoaster, but the networking potential is incredible.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport is incredibly well-connected. I usually took the Piccadilly Line straight from Knightsbridge to Holborn. Buses are another option, but morning traffic can be brutal, so avoid them if you're in a rush. As for safety, keep in mind that it's London. It might not be the safest city in the world, but it's really not as bad as people say as long as you use common sense. The social life is fantastic, mostly revolving around pub culture, and LSE hosts tons of events. Beyond that, it's London—you honestly couldn't ask for a city with more going on! For sports, I was prepping for a marathon, so I stuck to running. The route from Knightsbridge to the Millennium Bridge along the Thames is gorgeous. I highly recommend it!

6. Testimonial

This is the best exchange experience you can possibly imagine. In terms of both academia and fun, it’s easily the best university on the CEMS list. You get to meet so many people from diverse cultures, which is just incredible. London is a truly unique city—way too expensive, but worth absolutely every penny.