London's universities attract talented students from every corner of the world, and the contributions they make enrich our campuses, our communities and our city. Initiatives such as Your London Starts Here demonstrate the power of partnership across London's higher education sector, helping students feel supported from day one and ensuring they can make the most of everything that studying in this remarkable city has to offer.
Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor & President of King's and Chair of London Higher
17 September 2026
King's Vice-Chancellor joins Mayor in welcoming international students to London
King's College London is among universities partnering with City Hall, Transport for London (TfL) and the Metropolitan Police to welcome international students across the capital as they begin their studies.
The Your London Starts Here campaign unites partners from across London behind a single message: international students are loved and wanted here. Coordinated by London Higher, the representative body for the capital's higher education sector, the campaign includes welcome desks at Heathrow Airport across the two busiest student arrival weeks in September.
King's students are among ambassadors greeting new students and their families, and sharing advice on settling into life in the city. They were joined at Heathrow by Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor & President of King's and Chair of London Higher, Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, and Liz Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer of London Higher.
He added: "We want London to be the best in the world for higher education in every respect, and that starts with giving every arriving student the best welcome of any city on earth."
The scale of the welcome reflects London's pull as a global centre for higher education: more than 200,000 international students study here, drawn by its world-leading universities, diverse communities and access to major industries and professional networks. King's alone is home to more than 18,000 international students, with students and staff from over 190 countries making up its community.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, has backed the campaign, offering a personal welcome message for arriving students. He said: "Every year hundreds of thousands of international students choose to come to London to study at our world-leading universities. Their talent, ideas and diverse experiences provide a fantastic addition to our capital, and I'm delighted to be joining with London Higher and partners to show how hugely welcome these students are, as we build a better London for everyone."
Watch the Mayor's message to international students:
Tailored guidance for students covering transport, safety, accommodation and finances, has also been produced with TfL and the Metropolitan Police.
If you're beginning your studies at King's this year, discover tips on making the most of your time in London.
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Vice-Chancellor & President of King's College London