Richmond, the American International University in London

Age: 39

History: The original Richmond College was founded in 1843, and remained a part of the University of London until 1972, when Richmond the American International University was established on its campus as an independent, not-for-profit liberal arts university.

Address: The first two years of study are spent at the six-acre Richmond Hill Campus, where modern accommodation and offices have joined the original neo-gothic building. For the final two years of study, students move to the university's city campus in Kensington.

Ambience: An American university in the UK's capital city. The Richmond campus is set in a six-acre site at the top of Richmond Hill, one of London's most sought-after areas, and right next to the spectacular Richmond deer park. Kensington is one of the capital's swankiest districts, with various luxury shops, bars and restaurants and beautiful scenery across Hyde Park.

Vital statistics: On completion of its courses, students qualify for both a British BA and an American BA. Courses are offered in four main areas: communication and fine arts, mathematics and science, business and economics and humanities and social sciences, and are taught using the American Liberal Arts system. Around 1,000 students attend the university. The university is accredited by the Open University in Britain and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the US.

Added value: Richmond offers the unique opportunity to study for American and British degrees simultaneously, which means there's a strong emphasis on the "global perspective", with students from more than 100 different countries. It prides itself on its diverse international community, where numerous student clubs provide the ideal opportunity for political, sporting and social interaction. On-campus housing is provided for students throughout their time at Richmond.

Easy to get into? The admissions process is rigorous. Students are required to not only submit good grades, but a personal statement and personal recommendations from their teachers.

Glittering alumni: None as yet.

Transport links: Richmond Hill is an easy journey to the Kensington campus, which is connected by the London underground, buses and overground trains. The Kensington Campus is within easy walking distance of many of London's main attractions.

Who's the boss? Dr Ian Newbould is the fifth President of Richmond. Uniquely, he has held presidencies at both a Canadian and an US University.

Nightlife: There are a number of on-campus activities that are planned every year from the famous start and end of term parties, to International Night. But London itself offers students an amazing assortment of activities from the theatre, pubs, clubs, shopping, and museums, to major sporting events and more.

Any accommodation? Yes, they offer both undergraduate and graduate housing, on the Richmond and Kensington Campuses. Rents are around £3,000 to £4,000 per semester for full-board.

Cheap to live there? Not on your nelly. London is an expensive place to live, as any major city is, and Richmond and Kensington are two of the capital's most expensive areas. Local rents can range from £100 to £120 per week or more.

Fees: As a private university, Richmond is not bound by government regulations on tuition fees. For UK students starting in 2011, undergraduate degrees are £9,500 per year. Could be worse though, their American counterparts will pay around £16,800.

Bursaries: Only available to American and international students. UK students are not eligible to apply for Richmond's scholarships or grants.

Prospectus: 020 8332 9000; www.richmond.ac.uk

UCAS code: R20