London Pre-Launch: How to prepare for London
In Fall 2025, Oxford College of Emory University released the first cohort of their new program, Oxford Launch: London, a group of 44 students studying abroad in the vast city of London for their first semester of college.
As the first year of the program, many students were unsure how to prepare for this journey. Through their experiences, these students grew, learned lessons, and looking back shared what they wished they had known and how they would’ve prepared for London Launch or the Pre-launch differently.
Basic housekeeping
When it comes to logistics, the London Launch Onboarding site offers an amazing month-to-month walk-through of many items to remember: Visa/ETA applications, IES form deadlines, etc. This website also includes a Canvas link that students can access during the summer for more in-depth details.
It might seem like a lot to take in, but everything here is important. So, before anything else, students should take a moment to look through it and make sure they’re all caught up.
Besides the larger logistical pieces in those resources, there are some important ‘basic housekeeping’ items that tend to get overlooked. Rohan Bhatia 27Ox, who was part of the first cohort, describes some key necessities for students abroad. Some of which are cellular data, wall adapters/battery banks, and credit/debit cards.
“Things like this are easier to figure out in the states, and hugely cuts down on stress because you don’t need to figure it out once you get there.”
Quick Items to Consider:
- Cellular data: international plan vs an e-SIM
- Credit vs. Debit card (check for international transaction fees)
- Number of wall adapters to chargers needed
- Digital and physical copies of important documents
- List of basic meals one can make / Dining Plan
- Watch a video on how the underground transportation system works.
Bhatia also recommended developing a clear packing plan as an important part of his preparation for London. He suggests making “separate lists for packing and buying. Having a list dedicated to things to buy in London, like clothes hangers, a desk light, and a fan meant I didn’t have to worry about packing them.”
Since London has different outlets, electronics such as hair dryers, lamps, and fans are better off purchased than packed. Luckily, London is packed with stores that can fulfill any need, so there are no worries about finding the ‘right’ item.
However, one’s necessities can differ from person to person; for Aymara Bustos-Cadena 27Ox, a necessity was a little piece of home.
“This is a bit unconventional, but I brought my entire set of supplies to do both my own and my friends' nails. My point is to bring something that you enjoy doing in your free time, reminding yourself of home.”
Whether it's a stuffed animal, a picture of friends and family, or something that simply holds meaning, it's important to bring a piece of home that is grounding; a reminder of the importance of taking care of oneself.
Planning Ahead for Opportunities
There are so many opportunities and experiences readily available within the vast city of London that it’s essential to plan ahead which ones to pursue.
One of the opportunities Aymara discovered was London’s theater scene.
“If you love plays (or even if you don’t, I still recommend it), the main theaters will often have tickets go on sale on the day of the show for very cheap, and it is the best way to spend an otherwise free night.”
Along with the day of sale, theater companies often offer student discount tickets online for only five pounds! Students can explore these companies, such as the National Theatre and LW Theatre. They can also transport themselves back into the 16th century by going to the Globe Theatre and watching one of Shakespeare’s works while standing up.
Planning ahead on which days, times, and shows will allow students to take more opportunities and will often be cheaper, too. But keep in mind the important dates of school-sponsored travel, exam days, and breaks to know what days to plan for.
Bhatia found one of his opportunities through London’s transportation. He encourages everyone to take advantage of affordable travel to many unique destinations through transportation systems such as planes and trains. As London is close to various European countries, many of our students found themselves in vast locations such as Barcelona, Dublin, Paris, Iceland, and so much more. Whether it was solo travel or in groups, the opportunity to explore beyond London is entirely possible.
Again, planning ahead for the cities to explore and booking tickets in advance will relieve stress and get the best prices. Websites such as SkyScanner, FlixBus, or the Eurostar will be a friend through the planning.
Besides exploring other cities, Bhatia emphasizes the beauty of the city itself.
“As much as I adored my international travel, I also believe it’s important to take time to get to know your home city. London is so incredible and has so many unique neighborhoods. Take the tube to a new neighborhood and just walk around! ”
London is filled with activities, and a quick Google search will lead one down a rabbit hole of experiences that are waiting to happen; many of which are free! Make sure to check out the countless free museums (the British Museum, the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, etc), the beautiful natural scenery (the Cliffs of Dover, Hyde Park, Horizon 22, etc), and of course, enjoy a cup of tea!
The Mindset
Besides the amazing sites to see, the delicious food to eat, and the culture to experience, it is the people who make London Launch so special. This close-knit community reflects the love and care poured into it, and in many ways mirrors Oxford's infamous family-like community, even from thousands of miles away.
Alongside other students and advisors, students also have access to the London Ambassadors, a new mentorship program made up of students from the 2025 cohort to guide the next Launchers throughout their journey.
Rohan Bhatia, one of the London Ambassadors for the 2026 cohort, encourages the next cohort to reach out to the ambassadors with any questions. “The thing that’s most unique about London Ambassadors is that whatever you’re going through, we’ve been through it! We’re not just your one-time orientation leaders, but ongoing resources to help with any possible situation.”
There are so many people willing and wanting to help, whether it’s to answer questions, address concerns, or just be a listening ear. They’ve all been there, so reach out because they would love to share some advice!
Last but not least, Bustos-Cadena encourages the next group of students by saying,
“This city has so much to offer, but you will only learn and grow if you allow yourself. Don’t be afraid to do things that are out of your comfort zone. There will be times when you feel lost, but being able to problem-solve and keep going is what makes this experience so wonderful.”
While these are just some of the experiences of the 2025 cohort, planning ahead and staying open to new experiences are timeless lessons to keep in mind, whether it's going to London or transitioning to Oxford.
So cheers to the next cohort! May your London experience be as beautiful as the first cohort that trekked through London.
