Student Life in London: The Ultimate Handbook

Have you ever loved a city so much that you never wanted to leave? Have you ever been so enamoured by its charm that you’d do anything to stay? Upset about being forced to leave London, Adele wrote her first-ever single, Hometown Glory, in a desperate attempt to show her mother the love she had for her home. That’s the kind of hold that the city has on people. Once you’ve had a taste of life in London, you’ll never want to leave.

London is one of the liveliest cities in the world, with never a dull moment. The city has so much to offer to its residents that it's hard to know where to begin. We’ve carefully curated a list of everything you need to know about student life in Lonon to make your time in the city unforgettable. If you want to know how to make the most of your time in London, just keep on reading! 

Student Travel in London

The city has one of the best transport networks in the world, making student life in London all the more convenient. The London Oyster card is a travel card that students can purchase, which can be used to travel around the city by subway or bus. Check out our complete guide on Oyster card to know more details about student travel in London. With a student Oyster card, students can save up to 30% on travelling while experiencing student life in London. 

London Underground 

The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world, having been in operation since 1863, and is famous worldwide for being well-connected. With over 250 stations and 11 different metro lines, the underground is the fastest and most convenient way for students to travel around the city. 

Buses & Taxis

Transport for London, or TfL, is the official transport provider for the city. London has over 500 TfL-sponsored bus routes and approximately 900 bus stops. The underground and buses are great transport options for students, but during the cold London winters or on some of the rainier days, students can also ride in one of London’s famous black cabs. 

Cost of Living in London

Living in a city like London can get expensive very fast, so budgeting is a very important tool that students living there. To ensure they spend money wisely and save as much as they can, it is important to know the cost of living in London beforehand. The cost of living in London is around £1,500 per month. Here are the costs of some basic things that students will need to spend money on.

Where to Live in London?

London is a massive city, so it may be difficult for students to choose the right and safe places to live in London. The area a student lives in is a very big factor, so it's important to choose it carefully. Here are some of the best places to live in London:

1. Soho 

Soho is close to the city centre and is a fast and busy environment for students. There are many things for students to do in Soho, which is very popular with students. You can find accommodations like Chapter Kings Cross, Chapter Portobello and Chapter Highbury here.

2. Mayfair

Located in London’s West End next to Hyde Park, Mayfair has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. Students choose this area for its charm and the safety it provides. Moreover, it has many Instagrammable places, so students won’t have a hard time looking for one. Some of the best student accommodations in London are Chapter Islington, Chapter Highbury II and Britannia South Bank.

3. Westminster 

The student life in Westminster is convenient, providing comfort for nearby university students. Westminster is a lively location set in the centre of London, so students can enjoy all the main attractions whenever they want. This is an amazing place to live for students, and they can find comfortable and affordable student housing like Vega, Britannia South Bank and Chapter Old Street. 

4. South Bank

This holds an esteemed reputation amongst international students as the area is filled with vibrant spots where students can spend their time.  This attracts a lot of students to move here in the student accommodations like Londonist The Curve, Chapter Westminster and Chapter Aldgate.

5. Hyde Park

Hyde Park has a beautiful park and riverside area, just a little away from the city centre. This attracts many students to move here to the student accommodations like Britannia South Bank, Albany Residences and Canvas Wembley.

Also, check out our blog to find more best neighbourhoods in London for your student journey in the city.

Best Universities in London 

London is a hub of top-notch education, and students from all over the world come to here to study at some of the best universities in London. With cutting-edge technology, amazing faculty and the best quality of education, it is no surprise that it is the first choice of a huge number of students. Here are some of the best universities in London: 

1. London Film School - This university is reputed for making some of the best filmmakers in the world. The institution offers many degrees at the postgraduate level, like an MA in Filmmaking or an MA in screenwriting. You can also opt for short and part-time professional development courses under the LFS workshop.
2. King’s College - Known to have a reputation for academic excellence, a diverse student community and innovative research, Kings College of London is a leading UK university that students from all over the world strive to get into. Some of the distinguished subjects students pick are humanities, social sciences, law and a wide field of sciences.
3. BPP University - If you’re planning on pursuing Law in the UK, BPP University is what you should aim for. Proving its excellence for over 30 years, this university is trusted by many law firms throughout the world and trains aspiring lawyers from over 150 organisations. Some of the subjects that this UNiversity is famous for are law, finance, healthcare, management and business.
4. Queen Mary University (Lincoln's Inn Fields Campus) - The largest academic health science centre in the world is located at Queens Mary University, which is also internationally renowned for its medical research and teaching at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. There are specialised departments for surgery, infectious diseases, cardiology and dentistry within Queens Mary Medical School.
5. Kaplan International English (London Covent Garden) -  In addition to learning a language, Kaplan International English (London Convent Garden) offers students a cross-cultural experience that allows them to fully immerse themselves in both the English language and the energetic city of London. The primary role of Kaplan International English is to offer a thorough language-learning experience.
6. The University of Law - The University of Law in London is well known for providing excellent legal education. It is a top choice for aspiring lawyers and legal professionals since it provides specialised law programmes, professional training and a strong emphasis on practical skills. 
7. London School of Economics and Political Science - Offering unique opportunities for students to study the social sciences in a university. You’re free to enjoy the cultural, social and recreational facilities of one of the best universities in the world. Because it is centrally located, students can have the best of both worlds. ‍
8. Imperial College London - From solving major engineering problems to improving health and well-being, Imperial College London has had a generation of imperial staff, alumni, and students who have changed the world with cutting-edge innovations. So, if you’re looking for a university that has the potential to solve it all, this is it!

Best Thrift Stores in London

College is the perfect time for students to experiment with new dressing styles and find one that works for them. Clothes and accessories are a big part of your identity, but students don’t always have the luxury of picking out new clothes for themselves every week and thrift stores are the perfect places for students. London has some of the best thrift shops in the UK and is a big part of student life in London. 

• Beyond Retro, Soho
• Rokit, Camden
• Oxfam, Kentish Town
• East End Thrift Store
• Annie's Vintage Clothes

Best Restaurants in London for students

Some people eat to live, and others live to eat. If you fall into the latter category, then London has a host of amazing dishes and the best restaurants in London for you to try. Student life in London would be incomplete without trying some of the UK’s most iconic dishes. 

• Fish and Chips: No matter where you are in London, you will find a place selling you fish & chips. The dish is pretty self-explanatory - deep-fried fish with potato chips on the side. A staple of the UK, you cannot visit London without trying fish & chips.
• Sunday Roast: A typical Sunday roast dinner in the UK consists of roasted meat of your choice, stuffing, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes, all served with a delicious gravy that pulls the whole dish together. Your student life in London would be incomplete without trying these. 
• Bangers and mash: Sausages and mashed potatoes, a pub favourite for the English. The dish is usually served with some vegetables and gravy. It is also relatively simple to make for any students looking for new recipes to try out in the kitchen.  
• English Breakfast: The iconic, traditional English breakfast is a feast fit for kings with eggs, sausages, toast, baked beans, tomatoes and ham. Many college students have a habit of skipping breakfast, but with a spread like this, who wouldn't be hungry in the morning?
• Chicken Tikka Masala: This is one of the most popular dishes in the UK and is surprisingly not actually Indian. While the name and flavours of the dish seem Indian, the dish was actually created on British soil and is incredibly in demand all over the UK. 

Kick off your student life in London with one of these delicious dishes to ease your tastebuds into their new home. Once you’ve had time to settle into the city, you must try many different restaurants.  Also, visit some of the best parks in London after a nice meal. And if you’re looking for a full experience of student life in London at night, check out these best clubs in London!

Here is a list of some of the best student eat-outs to try during your student life in London. 

Camden Market: The market in Camden Town is the best outdoor market in the city. You will find dozens of tiny stalls selling food, crafts, and even live music performances. 

Pizza Union: This restaurant has some of the best pizzas in the city and is a popular student favourite. The pizzas are thin and fire-baked and come with a range of toppings to choose from.  

Cabana the O2: Cabana serves Brazilian food and is located at the O2 arena in London. If you’re ever at the O2 for a concert or event, pop over to the Cabana for a quick bite to eat.‍

The Japanese Canteen: The Japanese Canteen is the perfect destination for anyone who enjoys Japanese food. The affordable restaurant serves sushi, ramen, katsu curry, mochi, teriyaki chicken, and dozens of other authentic Japanese dishes.

Instagrammable Places in London

London is a beautiful, picturesque city with many scenic locations for students to visit. To document your student life in London, visit some of these locations and fill your friends back home with envy.

1. British Museum: The British Museum is home to many great exhibits that make for great pictures. What makes it even better is that the museum is entirely free to enter. 
2. Notting Hill: Popularized by the Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant film of the same name, this area is a great place for students to take pictures. 
3. Piccadilly Circus: If you want to capture the hustle and bustle of the city, Piccadilly Circus is the place to do it. The area is always lively and full of people. 
4. Tower Bridge: Student life in London is incomplete without visiting the city’s iconic Tower Bridge. If you want a photo that screams “London,” this is the place to take it. 

Student Discounts in London

Apart from the Oyster card, there are plenty of other avenues for students to avail of discounts in the city. Many retail locations provide student discounts, making student life in London all the more convenient and budget-friendly. 

Local Attractions: The Tower London, London Zoo, and London Eye all have discounted ticket prices for students so they can enjoy these iconic sites without needing to spend too much money. To avail of student discounts at these locations, one must carry their student ID with them at all times. 

Movie Theatres: Some movie theatres offer student discounts to their patrons. Curzon, Everyman and ODEN are three popular cinemas where students can go to watch films at a discounted price. 

Shopping: Many retail stores offer student discounts on clothes. ASOS has a large online store where students can find many discounts on different items. UniDays is a popular student website that offers students discounts at many stores to make your student life in London more affordable. 

Film Locations in London

London is an exciting place and a very famous city, so it's no surprise to learn that countless movies have been filmed in the area. Who knows? You may even see a couple of movie shoots while you experience your student life in London.

1. Tower of London: The climactic third act of Spiderman Far from Home takes place in the Tower of London.  

2. Baker Street: 221B Bakers Street sound familiar to you? You can find Sherlock Holmes’ address as you stroll through London on your day off. 

3. Kings Cross Station: Die-hard Potterheads will remember the significance King’s Cross Station holds in the books and movies in The Deathly Hallows. 

4. The London Underground: Countless films have featured London’s underground system. Two famous films from action franchises - the Bourne Ultimatum and Skyfall- feature chases through the tubes.  

Tips for Living in London

Living in London may seem like a dream, but it can sometimes be difficult to navigate for students who have just moved there. London is fast and everchanging so to help, here are some tips for living in London:

1. Learn to cook
Living in London as a student, eating outside every day can get very expensive very fast, so cooking at home can help save up, but student life in London is fun and exciting, so go out once in a while also.

2. Choose bars and Clubs with free entry
When you go out to explore London's amazing nightlife, be sure to go to the bars and clubs offering free entry. Living in London as a student, you will already be spending enough money on the transport and the drinks inside. 

3. Get a Job
This may sound boring and obvious, but getting a job is a must for students living in London. The bills pile up pretty fast, and this will help you keep up. It will also help you socialise. Here are some part-time jobs in London which help you to make your living in the city as a student.

From travel to leisure, that was a quick glance at everything you need to know when starting your student life in London. Food, shopping and sightseeing are all an important part of your student experience in the city. You never know how long you’ll get in a city like London, so make the most of it while you can!