10 Unusual Facts about Universities in London

The universities of London are globally renowned, but there is more to them than lectures and libraries. Each institution is full of history, with urban legends and pub quiz-winning facts to learn!

Whether you are a prospective student, a seasoned Londoner, or love a good bit of trivia, here are 10 lesser-known facts about universities in London.

London University Trivia

UCL - A Body in the Closet

Seriously. University College London has the preserved body of its founder, Jeremy Bentham, in a glass cabinet in the Student Centre. Benthem’s skeleton is wearing his old clothes and a wax head to complete the look. 

Royal Holloway – A Cursed Painting 

Beware the cursed painting of Edwin Landseer, Man Proposes, God Disposes. This unusual 19th-century painting depicts two polar bears in the wreckage of a ship. Legend has it that the first student to look into the eyes of the polar bear for too long went mad. Now, any student who does the same will fail their exams.

King’s College London - A Ghost in the Library

Rumour has it that the spirit of a World War I soldier haunts the Maughan Library on Chancery Lane. The building dates back to the 13th century and, in its earliest days, the Maughan Library site was the House of the Converts, established by King Henry III. No doubt it picked up more than one ghost along the way. 

Imperial College – Solar System Symphonies

Imperial College London will collaborate with classical composer Amanda Lee Falkenberg to create an education programme combining space science and orchestral music. Amanda has brought in astronaut Helen Sharman OBE to create The Moons Symphony, which draws on the sounds of different moons in our solar system. 

Goldsmiths – A Boarding School Turned University 

Goldsmiths has only been a university since 1891. Originally, it served as a boarding school for boys and even temporarily became a Royal Naval School. 

The Royal College – No Undergraduates

The Royal College of Art (RCA) only offers courses to postgraduates, so unless you want to apply for a master’s or a PhD, press pause on the submission. 

Birkbeck - Pioneering Evening Study

Birkbeck University qualifications are designed for working adults and are mainly taught in the evening between 6 pm and 9 pm.

SOAS - A Linguists Dream

The School of Oriental and African Studies) offer one of the world’s widest selections of non-Western languages, including Tibetan, Hausa, and Swahili. Amharic, Indonesian, and Hindi.

University of London – Senate House Pass

All University of London students can access Senate House, the towering Art Deco building that inspired Orwell’s Ministry of Truth. Sir William Beveridge commissioned the building and King George V laid the ceremonial foundation stone in 1933! 

Royal Academy of Music – Founded by a Harpist and an Earl

The Royal Academy of Music (RAM) is one of the oldest music schools in the UK. Founded by the 11th Earl of Westmorland and the renowned French harpist Nicolas-Charles Bachas, RAM received a royal charter from King George IV in 1830. 

Study at One of the Historic Universities in London

Planning on studying in the city? See our blogs on navigating the London public transport system, our favourite social spots and 10 reasons students love London. 

Know any other quirky university facts and traditions? Let us know in the comments!

Study in London with Chapter

Chapter has 14 luxury student accommodations across London, including central locations like South Bank, Westminster and London Bridge. Residents can also join Chapter Club to access our exclusive events and amenities across London. Find a room close to your university campus.