London Bridge

Start Your College Experience Abroad with Babson Begin: London

A new adventure awaits you!

As part of the Babson Begin: London program, you will experience an exciting approach to your first semester at Babson. Come immerse yourself in a new culture and branch out socially and academically—all while earning academic credit toward your Babson degree.

What Is Babson Begin: London?

Babson Begin: London is a partnership program with Arcadia University, a well-respected pioneer in first-year study abroad programs. Our London program is a chance for Babson students to engage in a culturally enriching academic program before arriving at Babson’s campus.

This program is specifically designed with first-year students in mind, so it offers a level of support and guidance you may not find at other programs abroad. After your semester in London, you will grow so much socially and academically that you will feel assured and energized to start your journey at Babson.

Is Babson Begin: London Right for Me?

Are you interested in a unique first semester of college?
Do you want to travel?
Are you ready to try something new?
Are you excited to meet new people?
Do you like to challenge yourself?
Does your future excite you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Babson Begin: London provides a fun, fulfilling path to pursuing your goals. Flex your entrepreneurial muscles, grow your life skills, bond with your fellow students, and have a global experience that goes beyond being a tourist.

Stepping into a new experience, especially while in college, allows you to see the world with fresh eyes. Entrepreneurial leadership is all about experiencing the world from a new vantage point, evaluating your place in it, and determining how your perspective and actions can positively influence it. Plus, a semester abroad is a fun, immersive step into adult independence with a large support system and safety net.

Interested in Being Considered for Babson Begin London?

Current Class of 2029 applicants can log into the applicant portal for more information about expressing interest in this program. In this inaugural year, the Office of Undergraduate Admission also will invite applicants to be considered for admission to Babson Begin: London.

You will be notified by April 1, 2025 if you’ve been selected to participate.

Frequently Asked Questions

This next step is exciting, but we know you have questions. Check out the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, and please reach out to your admission team with any questions or concerns.

No, they are different programs. They do share some resources, and each cohort of students will arrive on the Babson campus in January. However, both applicant classes are different, and the programs are not interchangeable. If you have questions about the standard January admission process at Babson, please visit our January Admission page.

You take four courses, including a first-year writing seminar. You are required to take two business-related courses, and the fourth course is an elective of your choosing. All four courses will count toward your Babson degree.

The academic buildings are in the educational hub of London, the Bloomsbury neighborhood, which is home to the British Museum and is walking distance to London’s theater and literary hubs, the Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and Chinatown. You will participate in excursions in and around London and engage with the local environments through guided community service opportunities.

Students live with other Babson students, as well as other first-year groups and upperclassmen from a wide range of US institutions studying at the Arcadia London Center, in Princess Elizabeth House, which is located in the residential neighborhood of Highgate. It is about a 40-minute tube ride to campus, which allows students to experience both a calm, cozy living space and a bustling city experience. It is dorm-style rooms with shared dining areas and kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. This setup allows for natural community building among the cohort as well as accommodates self-catering as there is no meal plan. The neighborhood has lush green space, restaurants, cafes, spectacular views of the city, and more.

Students are encouraged to make the most of their time in London. The Arcadia staff lead cultural excursions on the weekends, with options for all student budgets and interests. Options may include staff-led days to Stonehenge, Oxford, Windsor, Bath, Liverpool, and Paris.

A mix of unpaid and paid excursions and events are available as part of the program, but students also can explore on their own as time and budgets allow.

Beyond Arcadia-led travel excursions, students are encouraged to take in as much culture and opportunity as they would like. Options include volunteering and attending performances and speaking events. London is known for its cultural and historical landmarks, museums, shopping, professional sports, and local restaurants and markets.

Students will all have a membership to a local student union, which provides access to student clubs and organizations. Topics include athletics, performing and visual arts, and political and social groups.

You will have a designated Arcadia program coordinator, who is on site and on call to help with housing and academic concerns. Students also will have access to academic advising both from Arcadia and Babson.

There is 24/7 health and safety support available to students. They have access to international health insurance, which includes mental health resources and partnership with local health partners. Students should still be on the health insurance they have at home.

Yes, there is a robust in-country orientation program at the beginning of the semester which will introduce you to the Arcadia London Center and team as well as your fellow students. It includes introductions to the support team and Program Contact. You will be shown how to take the tube to and from the Center to your housing and how to navigate your new city. Students are picked up from the airport on arrival day and accompanied to their residence and the Center. Additionally, we also hold virtual orientations over the summer for students.

You book travel independently, but as part of the orientation process, Arcadia will recommend arrival dates and times and will coordinate airport pickups. Airfare is not included in the program fee/tuition. Specific travel guidance will be provided by the Program Advisor.

Yes, you will be on the same graduation schedule as students coming to Babson in the fall of 2025. You are scheduled to graduate in May 2029. The four classes you take as part of Babson Begin: London will count toward your Babson degree.

The final net cost of the program will depend on your need profile. The tuition cost will include a program fee and housing costs. Students do not have meal plans. Families will want to consider the additional cost of traveling, food, individual excursions, and other living expenses.

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for need-based financial aid as part of this program. You will need to submit the CSS Profile and FAFSA to be considered. Please reach out to Student Financial Services with any financial aid questions.

Besides the weather, there is little difference to arriving on campus in January versus August. All January-admitted students, whether they participated in Babson Begin: London or not, will have the same orientation and move-in schedule in January. There is a robust January orientation program, that includes a club and organization fair.

Because Babson is a small school, it’s easy to meet students. Plus, you will have a semester of college academics to help you acclimate to the Babson curriculum. If you have concerns or questions about arriving on campus in January, please visit our standard January admission page, which includes advice from students who have been there. (Please note, this page is about standard January admission, not Babson Begin: London. They are different programs, so some of the information may differ).

If you do not have a passport, you should apply for one immediately. Your passport must be valid for six months from the end of your program, otherwise you will need to renew your passport.

All U.S. citizens will need to enter via the Short Term Student Route upon entry into the U.K. You will receive immigration documents for this process approximately 2 weeks prior to your departure.

Students who do not have a U.S. passport may need to apply for a Short-Term Study Visa in advance. In applicable instances, you will be alerted when you need to begin the process of applying for the visa. Arcadia will provide you with some of the necessary documents. It is important that you do not start applying for your visa until you are prompted.

Any students coming to the US to study will need to apply for an F-1 student visa before they begin their studies on Babson’s main campus. Babson’s International Student & Scholar Services will contact you to begin the F-1 student visa application process around 4 months before you are to arrive at Babson’s main campus. As an international student you will need to request a Form I-20 as the first step in obtaining an F-1 visa.

It is preferable that you apply for your visa in your home country. It is generally understood that the visa process at home is easier and faster. However, circumstances, such as visa availability and travel plans, can impact this decision. You may be eligible to apply for your F-1 student visa while you are in London.

Your F-1 student status will start once you arrive on Babson’s main campus for the spring semester. You will need to complete two consecutive, full-time semesters before gaining US work authorization eligibility. This likely means you will need to complete the spring and following fall semester on Babson’s main campus before being eligible to do an internship. The Babson London: Begin program does not count towards the eligibility requirements.

We recommend that your current school completes your SEVIS record. We cannot accept your transferred SEVIS record because you will not be studying in the US. We will work with you to create a new F-1 SEVIS record.

No. If you are accepted to Babson Begin: London and choose to enroll, this is your path to attending Babson College.

Connect With Us

Deciding to study abroad in your first semester of college is a big decision. If you have more specific questions about the program or would like additional guidance as you think about Babson Begin being a fit for you, please contact your admission counselor.