IMPORTANT: Arcadia University program dates are set in accordance with the overseas institution’s academic calendar and the Arcadia University mandatory orientation dates.
Dates subject to change based on the SOAS' planned academic calendar and any restrictions or safety measures imposed by the British government. Please wait to book travel until advised by Arcadia University.
PLEASE NOTE: From September 2025, SOAS will be introducing a two-semester academic calendar, moving away from the current three-term year. In the new calendar, a semester is a study block with 10 weeks of teaching and a reading week. Assessment periods will take place in January & May, with a reassessment period in August. Learn more about the upcoming changes here.
Academic Year 2024-2025
| Event |
Date |
| Virtual Orientation Session (Mandatory) |
Review materials sent in advance |
| Depart from U.S. |
September 17, 2024 |
| Arrive in London |
September 18 |
| Arcadia Orientation (Mandatory) |
September 18-22 |
| University Orientation |
September 23-27 |
| Semester One Start |
September 30 |
| Semester One End |
December 13 |
| Return to Campus |
January 5, 2025 |
| Semester Two Start |
January 6 |
| Semester Two End |
June 13 |
| Program Concludes/Return Flight to U.S. |
June 14 |
Spring 2025
| Event |
Date |
| Virtual Orientation Session (Mandatory) |
Review materials sent in advance |
| Depart from U.S. |
January 1, 2025 |
| Arrive in London |
January 2 |
| Arcadia Orientation (Mandatory) |
January 2-5 |
| Semester Start |
January 6 |
| University Orientation |
January 6-10 |
| Semester End |
June 13 |
| Program Concludes/Return Flight to U.S. |
June 14 |
Fall 2025
Classes end in December for students attending only the fall semester. Fall students with January exams will complete alternative assessments online. Read More Here
| Event |
Date |
| Virtual Orientation Session (Mandatory) |
Review materials sent in advance |
| Depart from U.S. |
September 16, 2025 |
| Arrive in London |
September 17 |
| Arcadia Orientation (Mandatory) |
September 17-21 |
| University Orientation |
September 22-26 |
| Semester Start |
September 29 |
| Semester End |
December 12 |
| In Person Program Concludes/Return Flight to U.S. |
December 13 |
Academic Year 2025-2026
| Event |
Date |
| Virtual Orientation Session (Mandatory) |
Review materials sent in advance |
| Depart from U.S. |
September 16, 2025 |
| Arrive in London |
September 17 |
| Arcadia Orientation (Mandatory) |
September 17-21 |
| University Orientation |
September 22-26 |
| Semester One Start |
September 29 |
| Semester One End |
December 12 |
| Return to Campus |
January 4, 2026 |
| Semester Two Start |
January 19 |
| Semester Two End |
May 22 |
| Program Concludes/Return Flight to U.S. |
May 23 |