Summer Program Admitted Students

Welcome to Sotheby’s Institute of Art Summer Program!

We are really looking forward to meeting you in London and hope the information provided helps you begin to plan for your time abroad. This page will be updated when new program information is available, so please check this page frequently.

This page was last updated: November 20, 2024

Pre-Departure Orientation

Virtual pre-departure orientations will take place approximately a month prior to your program start date, dates to be confirmed in early 2025.

Admitted Students will receive a Zoom link from the Summer Program team in advance of their pre-departure orientation date.

If you were unable to attend your virtual pre-departure orientation, a recorded version may be made available following the session.

Program Overview

With London as the backdrop, this summer you will have the chance to explore one of the greatest art cities in the world while creating a portfolio of work that will propel you forward in college applications and your future career. Together with other Sotheby’s Institute of Art students, and under the guidance of world-renowned faculty including curators, authors, and art historians, your studies will be driven by topically led briefs and real-world scenarios. You will leave London having gained substantial hands-on experience in a chosen field and be able to demonstrate their aptitude in seeing a project through from ideation to completion.

Session 1 - Curator Academy and Global Art Market

Program Start Date: Monday, June 9
- This is the day you should plan to arrive in London.
- If you are in SIA provided housing, you can check into housing on this day.
Orientation (AM) and First Day of Course (PM): Tuesday, June 10
Last Day of Course (AM) and End of Programme Celebration (PM): Thursday, July 3
Program End Date: Friday, July 4
- If you are in SIA provided housing, you will check-out of housing on this day.
- Please note: final assessments for Curator Academy and Global Art Market can be submitted up to a week after your in-person class finishes (Friday, August 8). This assignment is uploaded virtually via your on-line learning platform, Canvas, so you do not need to be in London to successfully submit this assignment, although you must have a strong and secure internet connection. Your faculty and program team will provide further information regarding all submission deadlines and requirements during your SIA academic orientation
Classes are held Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm (with a break for lunch)
You should anticipate being in class 4 – 5 days per week to complete these intensive courses
There are no required evening or weekend academic commitments
The Curator Academy and Global Art Market courses run concurrently with each other. Therefore, Orientation, the End of Program Celebration, and some activities may include students from both programs, and students residing in SIA accommodation will reside in the same residence as other SIA Summer Program students.

Session 2 - Curator Academy, Global Art Market, and Luxury Business

Program Start Date: Monday, July 7
- This is the day you should plan to arrive in London.
- If you are in SIA provided housing, you can check into housing on this day.
Orientation: Tuesday, July 8
Last Day of Course (AM) and End of Programme Celebration (PM): Thursday, July 31
Program End Date: Friday, August 1
- If you are in SIA provided housing, you will check-out of housing on this day.
- Please note: final assessments for Curator Academy and Global Art Market can be submitted up to a week after your in-person class finishes (Friday, August 8). This assignment is uploaded virtually via your on-line learning platform, Canvas, so you do not need to be in London to successfully submit this assignment, although you must have a strong and secure internet connection. Your faculty and program team will provide further information regarding all submission deadlines and requirements during your SIA academic orientation.
- Please note: Luxury Business is not an accredited course, so there is no final assignment to submit after the Program End Date; all coursework will be completed on or by Thursday, July 31.
Classes are held Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm (with a break for lunch)
You should anticipate being in class 4 – 5 days per week to complete these intensive courses
There are no required evening or weekend academic commitments
The Curator Academy, Global Art Market, and Luxury Business courses run concurrently with each other. Therefore, Orientation, the End of Program Celebration, and some activities may include students from both programs, and students residing in SIA accommodation will reside in the same residence as other SIA Summer Program students.

Covid 19 Health & Safety London Campus COVID-19 Health & Safety Resources

While Sotheby’s Institute of Art – London does not require students to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, it is strongly encouraged. It is also important to note other European countries may have vaccination entry requirements, including being up to date on boosters. It is your responsibility to research and comply with the Covid-19 restrictions and vaccination requirements related to any personal travel.

There are currently no UK entry requirements related to Covid-19, vaccinations, or documentation.

Covid-19 tests are readily available at local chemists (pharmacies) such as Boots, Lloyds, and Superdrug. It is recommended you take a test if you develop symptoms related to Covid-19, in the interests of the health and safety of the community.

Sotheby’s Institute of Art will communicate any updates to UK guidance with you, and the current policies and procedures related to Covid-19 will be shared during your on-site orientation. Please direct any questions or concerns related to this to studyabroad@sia.edu.

Arrivals & Departures

RESIDENCE CHECK-IN

Summer Program students residing in SIA accommodation may move in after 3pm on your program start date; where possible, SIA will arrange for an earlier check-in time if your flight arrives earlier. You are welcome to arrive in London earlier, but you will need to arrange independent accommodation as access to the residence is only permitted from the program dates and time stated.

Your arrival day is open so you can familiarise yourself with the area, buy groceries and other necessities, and settle into your London home.

You should plan on checking out of your SIA housing by 10am on your program end date. If you wish to remain in London after this date, you need to arrange independent accommodation as the Institute cannot facilitate housing extensions.

Students who are participating in both Sessions of the Summer Program and residing in SIA provided accommodation may remain in their housing during the break between sessions (Friday, July 4 – Monday, July 7) at no extra cost.

Students who have arranged independent accommodation / housing for the program should plan to move in on or before the program start date.

ARRIVING IN LONDON

LONDON AIRPORTS
London is served by 3 major international airports, and information related to the arrivals and departures of each can be found on their website:

TRAVEL TO AND FROM LONDON AIRPORTS
London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and London City are well-connected to the city centre via public and private transportation. While most travellers arriving in London find it convenient to take a cab directly to their accommodation, you may wish to utilise a combination of travel to reduce costs or time spent in traffic. For example, travellers may take the Heathrow or Gatwick Express trains to Central London and then utilise the Underground or a cab to continue the journey.

Heathrow Express
The Heathrow Express connects London Heathrow with London Paddington Station in approximately 15 minutes. Several trains run an hour, and while tickets can be booked upon arrival at Heathrow or Paddington, it is advisable to book your Express tickets in advance, particularly during busy travel periods.

Gatwick Express
The Gatwick Express connects London Gatwick with London Victoria Station in approximately 30 minutes. Several trains run an hour, and while tickets can be booked upon arrival at Gatwick or Victoria, it is advisable to book your Express tickets in advance, particularly during busy travel periods.

National Rail
The National Rail also operates trains from London Gatwick to regional train stations, including London Victoria. While the journey may take longer than the Express, it is often less expensive. Train tickets can be bought on-line at National Rail, The Trainline, London Gatwick, London Victoria, or other train stations along the line. Please note if you travel via National Rail, you are likely to be on a local train service, so it is advisable to avoid peak commuting times, particularly if you have large bags, as space may be limited.

London Underground
You can reach London Heathrow and London City airports via the London Underground and Overground lines. Information about which line takes you where, and associated ticket prices, can be found at the Transport for London (TfL) website, and TfL’s Journey Planner assists you in planning your route.

Elizabeth Line
The Elizabeth Line (also known as “Crossrail”) officially opened in 2022 and connects London East-to-West. It includes stops at London Heathrow terminals, Paddington Station, Tottenham Court Road Station (nearest station to Sotheby’s Institute of Art), and Liverpool Street (near SIA residence halls).

London Cabs
The iconic London Black Cab can be seen everywhere in the city, including at all airports and train stations. While often more expensive than mini cabs, the London cabs offer room for luggage, and the driver’s knowledge of London and its routes and roads cannot be beat. Registered drivers will also prominently display their license and ID, for safety. Transport for London lists current cab fares for you to calculate the approximate fare for your route.

London cabs do not need to be booked in advance; you can flag them down on the street (light on means they are available), or if you are at an airport or station, simply follow the signs directing you to the taxi queue / taxi rank.

Mini Cabs
Mini cabs can only be booked in advance, and you must ensure you are using a licensed company. The Transport for London website maintains a list of registered mini cab companies, and you can search for one local to you.

App-based companies such as Uber and Bolt also operate in London and at all transportation hubs, including airports.

Buses
The London Bus network is extensive, with many bus lines servicing the airports, Tube, and rail stations, and they can be useful in the late or early hours when other public transportation may have limited or no service. The Transport for London Journey Planner and bus maps will help you identify bus routes for your anticipated travel.

ADDITIONAL AIRPORTS
There are several other airports in close proximity to London, although please note these are geographically further away from London, not as directly connected to the city centre, and/or not connected via public transport to the city centre outside of normal operating hours. If you book flights departing from or arriving to London Luton, London Stansted, London Southend, or other regional airports, you are advised to confirm transportation to and from the airport before booking your ticket.

EURAIL
Eurail trains arriving from the Continent (Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam) most often terminate at London St Pancras Station. This station is connected to Kings Cross Rail Station, which is serviced by trains heading to and from the North (including Scotland). Kings Cross / London St Pancras is also a major connection on the London Underground (Tube), serviced by the Piccadilly, Victoria, Circle, Northern (Eastern Branch), Metropolitan, and Hammersmith and City lines. The Transport for London (TfL) website contains maps, ticket prices, and timetables for travel onwards from Kings Cross / London St Pancras Station.

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON
Transport for London (TfL) operates London’s public transportation routes, including the Underground (Tube), Overground, buses, and trams. Its extensive website contains maps, timetables for services, updates on planned closures or delays to the service, and the fares related to travel throughout the network. The Journey Planner is a helpful tool for navigating the city, estimating the time of travel, and avoiding congested stations or network closures.

ENTERING THE UK
Upon arrival to the UK, all passengers must clear Border Control. The www.gov.uk website contains thorough information on how to enter the country and what documentation and paperwork you will need to have. You should review this information prior to travel to ensure you are complying with the law.

E-Gates
Upon arriving in London, Border Control Officers or signage in the arrival hall may direct you to an e-gate. Many travellers, including those carrying US passports, can enter the UK via the e-gate. Please ensure you are following the signage in the arrival hall to correctly enter the country, and if you have any questions, speak with a Border Control officer.

VISAS

Depending on your country of origin, you may require a visa to participate in Study Abroad in London. Generally, the Standard Visitor visa may be the most appropriate visa to use to participate in the program; however, we strongly encourage international students to contact their country of origin’s embassy/government office to confirm. We also encourage international students to visit the UK Government Visa website for additional details. The Institute can provide letters of verification upon request. To request a verification letter, please email studyabroad@sia.edu.

If you have any questions regarding entering the UK on a visa, please contact Sotheby’s Institute of Art’s Compliance Team at visa.compliance@sothebysinstitute.com.

Student Life

Accommodation
Sotheby’s Institute of Art has secured a limited number of housing accommodations for students participating in the Summer Program in London (for an additional accommodation fee). This accommodation is provided on a first come, first serve basis. Program participants only secure an accommodation spot upon submitting full payment for the accommodation fee in the amount of £2500, billed at the time of program acceptance.

Meals
Students will be responsible for their own meals throughout the week. In the event a meal is provided by the program, SIAL will make every reasonable effort to meet the dietary requirements of students. Please ensure you notify SIAL of any food allergies and/or dietary requirements using the Program Form in advance of your program start date.

For students residing in SIA accommodation, kitchens are provided and are equipped for the use of students to cook for themselves and entertain their peers.

Health Care
In the UK there is a service called the National Health Service (NHS) that provides healthcare for all UK citizens based on their need for healthcare rather than their ability to pay for it. As a visitor to the UK, you are entitled to a limited range of NHS treatments, such as emergency or routine care, but not dental services or complex treatment. You can attend A&E (Accident & Emergency) departments for emergency care and also Sexual Health clinics for free treatment. However, if you are referred to specialist services or admitted to hospital as an in-patient, you may be charged a fee and this can be expensive.

Medical Insurance
If your course is less than six months, you are strongly advised to take out private medical insurance, as you will be liable for NHS charges for the treatment you receive in the UK except for in a medical emergency and this is limited.

Some countries have a reciprocal agreement with the UK which may entitle you to some free healthcare on the NHS, but you should seek advice from the health authorities in your home country about exactly what treatment will be covered.

Expenses
As a guideline, we would suggest that student's budget approximately £250 - £280 per week for food, drinks, travel, and additional spending money including weekend activities.

Travel in London and the UK
Students will travel to locations within London using Transport for London (TfL) services.

Transport for London (TfL) and London Travel
Transport for London (TfL) operates London’s public transportation routes, including the Underground (Tube), Overground, buses, and trams. Its extensive website contains maps, timetables for services, updates on planned closures or delays to the service, and the fares related to travel throughout the network. The Journey Planner is a helpful tool for navigating the city, estimating the time of travel, and avoiding congested stations or network closures.

For travel during your time in London, you can purchase an Oyster card, Travelcard, or use alternative forms of payment such as a credit or debit card, or Apple Pay or Google Pay, to “tap in” for travel on TfL services. Information related to all fares and payment options can be found on the TfL website.

Student Support and Provisions
Sotheby’s Institute of Art welcomes requests for student provisions (academic, personal, or other) from students using the Program Form, completed in advance of your program start date. We ask that students submit requests and other important information that may affect their experience in the Summer Program Form as early as possible in order to provide us with sufficient time to make any necessary arrangements, and ensure that all students have a fulfilling, enjoyable and safe experience.

Packing List

The weather in London is unpredictable and variable – so the best packing plan is to pack layers!

You will have time on your arrival day and during orientation week to shop for food, toiletries, and other necessities. However, it is a good idea to pack items you may wish to have immediately to hand upon arrival, including a small towel, travel-size toiletries, travel adapters, and chargers.

Medication, devices such as your phone and computer, and other necessities should be packed within your carry-on luggage. You must always travel with your passport on you, and other important documentation such as prescriptions for medication you are traveling with and/or vaccination cards should also be kept in a safe space. Please consult your airline carrier’s policies for checked luggage / baggage for guidance on where batteries, chargers, and electronics / electrical items can be safely packed and transported.

It is important to remember you should be able to manage your luggage as you move within the airport, find transportation to / from the airport to your residence, and arrive at your housing. Some Tube stations do not have step-free access, and there can be quite a distance to walk within airports or train stations.

Suggested Packing List

Clothing: layering clothing for varying weather, comfortable walking shoes
Weather gear: raincoat or jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella
Academic supplies: laptop, notebook or journal
Personal electronics: smart phone, camera, alarm clock, headphones, etc.
Personal items: toiletries, towels, reusable water bottle, reusable coffee cup
Passport and copy of health insurance details
Proof of Covid-19 vaccinations (if applicable)
Prescription medication for the duration of your program (if applicable); please note some medications commonly prescribed in the US may not be readily available in the UK

*Students should bring clothing that is smart casual and appropriate for class site visits, including to offices and workspaces. Formal wear is not necessary, but students may wish to bring a few smarter pieces for evening meals, trips to the theatre and other venues, and for personal use.

What NOT to Bring:

Students may not bring flammable materials, including but not limited to candles, incense, matches, lighters, explosive devices or fireworks. Items with an open flame (including candles) are not allowed in student housing, and violators of this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
Students are not allowed to bring weapons of any kind, including but not limited to firearms, knives, paintball guns, or other dangerous items. Please note pepper spray, Mace, and similar items are illegal in the UK. Violators of this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
Students are not allowed to use or possess drugs or unauthorized medications. Violators of this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
Students may not bring pets except for licensed service animals.
Students may not bring kitchen appliances, such as toaster ovens or hot plates.
Students may not bring drones or any other motorized objects.
We recommend that students not bring any valuable items, or items of a sentimental nature that would be difficult or impossible to replace; SIA does not take responsibility for lost, damaged, or stolen items.

SMALL APPLICANCES & UK ADAPTORS

Due to the UK voltage being different than the US’s (and many other countries’), these items may “short out”, causing a fuse to trip or, more seriously, smoking or a fire. For your health and safety, it is recommended you purchase small electrical items and appliances in the UK.

Small electrical items (hairdryers, curlers or straighteners) can easily be bought at local shops like Boots the Chemist, Superdrug, and many grocery stores with a Homeware or Health and Beauty department. Kitchen appliances and similar items can be purchased at any store with a Homeware department, including M&S and Argos.

If you travel with larger electrical items (including a laptop), you should confirm if you additionally need a voltage convertor / converter; many larger items can convert voltage, but you should check with the manufacturer to avoid any damage being done to the appliance. There are Apple Stores in London, and stores like Currys can offer advice for other PCs.

The UK plug has 3 straight prongs, and therefore a plug adaptor is needed for any US and EU plugs. A universal adaptor is recommended, particularly if you plan to travel to other European countries during your program, and is easily purchased at any travel company, airport or train station, or from shops like Currys, PC World, the Post Office, and many corner shops. They are also readily available online, and many now include a USB port.

MOBILE PHONES
SIA recommends students have a functioning mobile phone, able to make and receive phone calls, texts, and access the internet, for the duration of their program. A UK phone number is recommended as many delivery services, hotels, venues, and other service providers require a local phone number when placing orders, making reservations, or booking tickets.

It is also important to note that while WiFi and internet access is readily available at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, and many local cafes, restaurants, and social venues, it is pragmatic for you to have access to the internet independent of WiFi. This may also be a consideration based on your plans to travel.

International Plans
Your phone may have an international plan already, or you may be able to purchase an international plan with your current provider. It is recommended you contact your provider in advance of your program to investigate costs and options associated with travel and additional data.

SIMS
UK SIM cards are available for purchase and offer a variety of plan options, including Pay-As-You-Go, Monthly, and Annual plans. If you choose to purchase a UK SIM card to place in your current phone, you must ensure your phone is unlocked. You can order a SIM in advance of your arrival and have it delivered to your residence.

Whilst Sotheby’s Institute of Art does not endorse any particular company or plan, previous students recommend Giff Gaff. Other UK providers include EE, 3 (Three), 02, and Vodaphone.

Mobile Phones & Plans
You may decide to buy a phone for your time in London and purchase a short-term contract. Phone packages (mobile, data, SIM, etc.) are available from the major UK providers (EE, 3 (Three), 02, Vodaphone, Giff Gaff) as well as stores such as Carphone Warehouse, Tesco Mobile, Currys Phone, and ASDA. Many of these stores have local outlets in which you can compare device and plan options and speak with a member of their service team.

This is not an exhaustive list of options, and you should do research to ensure you are choosing the plan and provider that is best for you.

MEDICATION
If you take regular medication, you should discuss plans for your study abroad program with your attending / prescribing physician, doctor, therapist, or counsellor. You should arrange for a full supply of medication for the duration of your program, including any travel you plan to do before or after your study abroad program. If you are unable to be prescribed medication for the entire program, your doctor will be able to offer alternatives to ensure your health and wellbeing is maintained while abroad.

It is important to note that not all medication you are familiar with, or take, is readily available in the UK; this includes prescribed medications. Additionally, chemists (pharmacies) in the UK are unable to fulfil prescriptions written by a physician located outside of the UK.

In the event you run out of medication during your program, you must contact the Summer Program Team immediately for advice and support.

If you travel with prescribed medication, you must always have documentation confirming you are prescribed that medication. All medication must be clearly labelled with your name, in the event you are questioned while going through security or Border Control.

Questions?

We look forward to providing you with a truly rewarding learning experience this summer. If you have any questions as the program approaches, please feel free to contact us at studyabroad@sia.edu.