SOAS

Set amidst London’s university quarter in Bloomsbury, the School of Oriental and African Studies is a British university with a strong purpose, namely the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

A short stroll from Russell Square tube station and not far from Euston of King’s Cross mainline stations (2½ hours south from Nottingham), SOAS has a very distinctive feel because of this regional slant. It attracts students interested in those two continents, as well as their diasporas, and so many students feel immediately welcomed to the place, thanks to this shared interest. The university itself is small, but the mix of students is vast, allowing for interaction with a diverse group of people.

Notable alumni include royalty and presidents, as well as the comedian Dom Joly and socialite Jemima Khan.