University of London is a consortium of universities composed of more than a dozen universities and research institutions in London, England (also known as "public federal universities" like the University of California). It was formed by the merger of University College London and King's College London in 1836, and was granted the Royal Charter. It was originally established as an examination institution for member institutions. After the expansion of 177, it has developed into a giant alliance with 18 independent autonomous colleges and 10 research institutes, all of which have independent university status and a high degree of autonomy. They recruit students and rank independently, and there are seven colleges (including: University College London, King's College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, Asian-African College, Queen Mary College and Goldsmith College). Imperial College London in London was once an affiliated college of London University. In July 2007, authorized by Queen Elizabeth II, it officially left the University of London and became an independent university. Except for four multidisciplinary comprehensive colleges such as University College London and King's College London, other 14 colleges are small in scale and have specific academic division of labor and research fields. Among them, the London School of Economics and Political Science is responsible for social sciences; The Institute of Asian and African Studies in London is responsible for regional development research; London Business School is responsible for business education; The Royal Conservatory of Music is responsible for music; Goldsmith College of University of London and Cottodd College of Art are responsible for art, literature and art; St George's Medical College, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Royal Veterinary College are three medical schools with their own strengths. Heathrow College is a theological seminary with a history of 400 years. In addition, City University of London officially joined the University of London system on 20 16. The main administrative office of the University of London is located in the Senate Building in Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London, where there is also a library and presidential residence.