Access world-class facilities, student support and more
Thinking of studying at City Lit? While we're proud to offer over 6000 courses in London and online, an experience here goes well beyond the classroom. Here's what you should know about life at City Lit, including information on our world-class facilties, student support, annual festivals and more.
1. Make the most of flexible payment options
We don’t believe your budget should be a barrier to further study. For this reason, we’ve now made it easy for you to split up your course payments with PayPal’s Pay in 3 option. Give yourself a bit of breathing space by spreading your fees across three instalments — this way, you can feel confident about starting a course with us. Find out more about booking, payments, and fees.
2. Experience state-of-the-art facilities
Our Covent Garden campus is a hub of culture, learning, and world-class facilities. You can relax with a latte in our cosy Lunchroom Café, browse for books and access computers in the Student Centre & Library, and soak up city views from our Rooftop Terrace.
Over in our Visual Arts department, we offer a variety of cutting-edge creative spaces. These include the Digital & Design Lab, as well as bespoke studios for photography, printmaking, bookbinding, ceramics, and jewellery making.
If you’re thinking of doing an acting or technical theatre course, then the stage is set for you in our John Lyon's Theatre. Music students can perform in our Markson Pianos Recital Room, while dance students can make the most of our bright, modern studios. Our nearby Wellbeing Centre for holistic health courses offers quality studios, classrooms, and counselling pods.
Plus you can head to a talk in our Cultureplex lecture space, view art in the City Lit Gallery, and explore local highlights like the National Gallery, Royal Opera House, and British Museum. Be warned — once your lesson is finished, you’ll be tempted to linger.
3. Access expert support and advice
A course is more than just a course at City Lit — it’s an ongoing journey and we’ll walk alongside you. When you become a student here, you can access a whole range of support facilities to help with your learning and everyday wellbeing. These include counselling and mental health support, assistance for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and support for people with learning disabilities.
Our friendly Access & Inclusion Team can set you up with specialist equipment and offer advice sessions. Our buildings are also fully accessible with lifts to all floors and RADAR keys available.
4. Claim a student bursary
Learning makes your life richer, whether you’re upgrading your skills, diving into a passion, or meeting new people. Don’t let money worries hold you back from pursuing your goals.
City Lit’s student bursaries offer financial support for courses. You could be eligible if you claim benefits, are earning less than the London Living Wage, are homeless or an asylum seeker, or have no income. You can also apply if you’re experiencing barriers to learning (or have done in the past), or need to improve your English, Maths, health, or confidence to find a job.
5. Immerse yourself in festivals and events
There’s always something going on at City Lit. Our year-round events calendar includes festivals, talks, exhibitions, performances, book launches, and student showcases.
City Lit gatherings offer a chance to meet the community, be inspired, and even take part yourself. Annual flagship events include our Mental Wealth Festival, Classics Day, and Deaf Day.
6. Take part in an exhibition or performance
If you’re creative, then City Lit wants to showcase your voice and vision. We offer various opportunities for you to share your work through our exhibitions, readings, and performances. Put your art on display in our City Lit Gallery, step into the spotlight at our John Lyon's Theatre, take part in a classic or contemporary music performance, or share your writing at a Late Lines event. Our college is a safe space to express yourself and grow as an artist.
7. Earn a discount via Refer-a-Friend
Spread the word about City Lit and earn a perk in the process. If you Refer-a-Friend and they enrol, you both benefit. They’ll get £20 off and you’ll also get the same amount off your next course costing over £99. So why not invite your favourite people to study alongside yo
8. Be part of a thriving community for life
Your relationship with City Lit doesn’t stop once your course ends — you become part of a wider community and vibrant alumni network. Many of our students find new friendships with likeminded people (such as Sue on her Japanese course), and some form study groups, interest groups, and even art collectives. If you’re taking a career-focused course, then your classmates could become a professional network that supports you on your path. What’s more, we’re always thrilled when our alumni take part in talks and events.
Don’t lose touch with everything that’s going on at the college, both during and after your studies. Stay in the loop by signing up for our mailing list for the latest updates on courses, offers, and events (just scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe). Now you’ve no excuse to miss that special exhibition launch.
VIDEO: Sue formed a close bond with her classmates in their Japanese course
Getting Started at City Lit
When you begin your learning journey at City Lit, you enter into a hub of culture and a community of care. Our Student Services team is here to answer all your questions — we can’t wait to hear from you.
City Lit offers a wide range of courses in London and online. Become part of a thriving learning community — start browsing over 6000 courses:
