Imperial College London, Research university in South Kensington, England
Imperial College London is a research university in South Kensington, England, with its main campus located near several major museums in the neighborhood. The sprawling complex spans four locations across the British capital, where modern laboratory buildings stand alongside Victorian facades and open courtyards connect individual faculty structures.
The institution was formed in 1907 through the merger of the Royal College of Science, Royal School of Mines, and City and Guilds College under King Edward VII. For decades it remained part of the University of London system, until it became fully independent in 2007 and developed its own teaching programs.
Students from more than 140 countries bring a cosmopolitan atmosphere to campus life, visible in cafeterias, libraries, and common spaces throughout the day. Research teams from different fields often work side by side in the same buildings, so you might see physicists next to medics or engineers beside biologists.
The main campus lies between Cromwell Road and Exhibition Road, making it easy to reach on foot from South Kensington station. Some buildings are open to the public, especially during lecture events or open days, while other areas remain reserved for students and staff only.
The institution became the official home of the Huxley Collection of biological specimens, which contains more than 80,000 items dating from the 19th century and remains in use for research purposes. It also houses the largest central computing facility of any British university, running simulations for climate models and medical studies.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
