Where to start

Step One - Expression of interest

Read the Erasmus website thoroughly and research your options. For a list of partner universities on offer in your department, refer to the Partner List by Subject Area page. You can only study at a university listed under your department and with a subject link in the area of your degree. When making a decision about where to go, take into consideration what the language of tuition is, accommodation options, cost of living and courses on offer.

If you are interested in spending the spring semester on an Erasmus placement then you must ensure that you either have NO exams in January or that the start date of the spring semester at your chosen institution is after the LondonMet exam period.

Talk to other students who have been to or who are from the country/university you are interested in. The International Programmes Office can assist with putting you in touch with these students.

Speak to your Erasmus Departmental Co-ordinator (EDC) or Personal Academic Advisor (PAA) about the possibility of participating in the Erasmus exchange programme as part of your degree, especially if you are on a joint degree programme. The IPO can tell you who your EDC is. Between you, you need to evaluate which partner university would best suit your academic requirements. For example, LLB students can only stay for one semester to ensure their degree is recognised by the Law Society.

Read the Guide for Outgoing Students to familiarise yourself with the Erasmus programme (will be updated shortly)

Refer to the FAQ section for further information and helpful advice about the programme. It may offer an answer to the question/s you have.

Complete and submit BOTH the ERASMUS outgoing application form and the Provisional Learning Agreement (PLA). These must be signed by your Erasmus Departmental Coordinator. Please ensure that you meet the academic and linguistic requirements of the host university and that you are genuine about your desire/intent to study abroad before you apply.

Bring your completed application form and PLA to the International Programmes Office for consideration. At this stage the Erasmus Officer can verify the placement possibilities and provide you with further information.

The IPO will nominate all successful students to their host institution before the host's deadline. Please note that students should not contact the host university before they have been nominated.

The host university will then get in touch with the IPO, or directly with the student, with instructions on how to go about applying to them (unrelated to the LondonMet application). The application form is usually accessible via the website of the host institution, or alternatively it may be sent to students by email or post. It is advised that you complete and return the application directly to the host institution in a timely manner. Each institution has different procedures and so students must carefully read and follow instructions from the host. There will be a deadline for applications, to which you must adhere.

It is important to note that your exchange can only be realised if you have met all of the host institution's requirements and they have offered you a placement in writing.

Art students will normally be expected to present a portfolio alongside their application and this will form part of the application procedure. Failure to produce an excellent portfolio will normally mean the rejection of the application.

Some institutions ask you to apply for accommodation at the same time as you submit your Erasmus application. It is advisable to do so in order to secure somewhere to live before everything fills up.

The Outgoing Pre-Departure Meeting is compulsory for all outgoing students. This session will cover the practicalities of your exchange and allow you to complete essential paperwork (i.e. the grant contract) before you leave for your exchange abroad. It is also a great opportunity to meet other students who may be going to the same host university as yourself.

Pre-Departure Meetings are held as follows:
In May for Semester 1 (Autumn) or full-year students
In December for Semester 2 (Spring) students

The Pre-Departure Meeting essential paperwork documents can also be found on the While you are away page just in case you need to access them while abroad.

Inform the Undergraduate Office (or Postgraduate Office for Masters students) of your exchange period abroad, so that they can ensure that your exchange period is recorded on your student record. Please ensure that any changes to your exchange abroad or your address are reported, as well as notifying the International Programmes Office.

For students going on exchange during the first semester: you will be required to enrol as a student at London Metropolitan University before you start your exchange at the host university. This is done via evision.

Ensure that you take out adequate insurance coverage for the full period that you are away. If you cannot afford insurance, then you cannot afford to travel! The university offers free travel insurance for all students going on an Erasmus placement but you are advised to take out your own cover in addition to this.

Be sure to check with the host institution about any country specific requirements you must adhere to when entering the country (i.e. resident visas / registering with the police).

Brush up on your language skills — even if the host institution you are going to teaches in English, you should learn key phases in the local language because you will find that not everyone can (or wishes to) speak English.

Ensure you obtain a European Health Insurance Card in order to receive medical care for the same price as the locals (apart from Turkey).

Shop around for flights, making use of your International Student Identity Card for cheaper fares - especially at STA Travel. Use price comparison websites such as Kelkoo, Skyscanner and Flightchecker.

Make sure you have a way of accessing your money while you are abroad. Most debit cards charge you every time you use your card to pay for something in a shop or withdraw money. You may find it cheaper to use a pre-pay card such as FairFX. Your Erasmus grant will be paid directly in to your bank account.

Keep in touch with the host university with any questions — they will be the best source to advise you on requirements / procedures at the host university.