Getting to Regent's College from either Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted airports can be an extremely frustrating venture for the travel-worn program participant (jet-lag really does catch up to you!), especially if attempted during rush hour. Manuvering your way around London requires you to remember that: YOU ARE A FOREIGNER. You will not know which Tube line to take, what bus to get on, nor the fare prices, so STAY CALM. Remember it's okay to ask people for directions. While the British do have a repetition for a less than friendly demeanor, they are humans too, and are more than likely to help another human in distress. More importantly, remind yourself that London, though not as organized and grid-lock as New York City nor as underdeveloped as the London of Charles Dickens' Our Mutual Friend, is just a city, man-made and easily conquered. In the words of writer Dale Peck: "London is . . . a maze, but I was simply amazed, surprised that it had taken me so long to realize I was lost. But it was why I'd come here after all, to lose myself in a foreign place." Like Peck, lose yourself in London; view the challenge of traveling to Regent's College as your first adventure in Swinging London.

Directions for the trek to regent's College after landing in London:

London is served by three international airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. Heathrow, west of London, is the closest and most convenient of the three; and since it handles most of the incoming international flights, yours will probably land here.

To get from Heathrow to central London and, ultimately, Regent's College, your best option is to take the Tube, since a branch of the Underground passes right through the airport, with trains running every four to eight minutes (the 50 minute ride costs about £3). You will take the Piccadilly line into London, stopping at Green Park to switch trains. From there, you will transfer to the Jubilee line and travel north to Baker Street. To get to Regent's College from the Baker Street tube station, head north up Baker Street after emerging from the station. Baker Street, which intersects Allsop Place and Cornwall Terrace, leads directly into Regent's Park. Almost immediately upon entering the park (at Clarence Gate), you will cross a little bridge and find yourself on the perimeter of the grounds of Regent's College. You can reach the main entrance by turning left and circling around the grounds. From the reception desk at the main entrance, proceed directly to the commons area of Reid Hall where we will meet you. The entire walk should not take you more than five to ten minutes.

For a Gatwick arrival, take the Gatwick Express train to Victoria Station (the 35 minute journey costs about £8). From Victoria train station, enter the adjacent Victoria Underground station. You should travel north on the Victoria line to the next station, Green Park, where you will transfer to the Jubilee line and ride north to the Baker Street station. Once at Baker Street continue to Regent's as the above directions indicate.

For a Stansted arrival, take the Stansted Express to the Liverpool Street station (a 45 minute trip costing about £9). From the train station, enter the Liverpool Street Underground and take the Metropolitan line west to Baker Street. Continue to Regent's as directed above.

From Heathrow it would also be possible to take a taxi to Regent's, although it would be quite expensive (£30); and from the other two airports the rate would be excessively high. Another transportation possibility is the Airbus which leaves from all the Heathrow terminals and makes stops all over central London; the hour-long journey costs about £5. Whatever course you decide upon, you should certainly familiarize yourself with your projected route before you arrive in London. Although you might feel somewhat disoriented as you negotiate your way through unfamiliar surroundings (with a heavy pack and perhaps a sleepy head), you will find that making your way from the airport to Regent's is less difficult than you may imagine.

For more information regarding Tube or Airbus travel from Heathrow International airport to Regent's College, please click here.