Living and Studying in the UK

Our comprehensive guide draws from over 15 years of supporting international students in London. Whether you’re planning your arrival or already here, this guide covers everything you need to know about living and studying in the UK’s vibrant capital.

• Planning Your Arrival (visa requirements, pre-departure checklist)
• Healthcare and Wellbeing
• Getting Around London
• Staying Safe and Secure
• Staying Connected
• Exploring London’s Culture
• Daily Student Life
• Seasonal Events and Activities

in London Moving to London for your studies marks the beginning of an exciting journey. Understanding the essential requirements and systems will help you settle in smoothly and make the most of your time here.

Before you begin your London journey, understanding visa requirements is essential. We’ve created a comprehensive guide covering all visa types for studying in the UK, from short-term language courses to university degrees. Visit our UK Student Visa Requirements Guide to understand which visa type suits your study plans and how to apply.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides comprehensive medical care, but access depends on your country of origin and visa type. If you’re from a country with bilateral healthcare agreements, you’ll receive treatment for conditions requiring immediate attention. However, pre-existing conditions needing elective treatment typically aren’t covered.

• NHS Direct (111): 24/7 health advice
• Emergency Services (999): Life-threatening situations
• Local GP Registration: Required for routine care

We strongly recommend all international students obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering healthcare, lost baggage, personal liability, and legal expenses. Even with NHS access, travel insurance provides valuable additional protection.

London’s integrated transport network makes navigating the city straightforward and efficient. The system combines Underground (Tube), buses, trams, and overground trains. An Oyster card is essential for cost-effective travel – this electronic payment system significantly reduces journey costs compared to paper tickets.

For journey planning, Transport for London’s online tool at tfl.gov.uk helps you find optimal routes across the network. The system operates until approximately midnight, with night buses providing 24-hour service on major routes.

Cycling has become increasingly popular in London, with extensive dedicated cycle lanes and the Santander Cycles scheme offering affordable bike hire.

• Get an Oyster card for reduced travel costs
• Use the TfL website (tfl.gov.uk) for journey planning
• Download the Citymapper app for real-time updates
• Consider cycling with Santander Cycles for short journeys

London welcomes thousands of international students each year and maintains high safety standards. The Metropolitan Police work to ensure public safety, but as with any major city, awareness is important. Keep valuable possessions secure, stay alert when using mobile phones in public, and do not count large amounts of money on the street. The emergency number 999 connects you with police, ambulance, or fire services in urgent situations. For non-emergency police matters, use 101. Both numbers are free from any phone.

• Emergency number (999): Police, ambulance, fire services
• Non-emergency police (101): Report incidents
• Keep valuables secure and be aware when using mobile phones
• Use common sense in relations to counting cash or valuable items in public

Staying connected in London is straightforward. UK mobile phone services offer affordable ‘Pay As You Go’ options starting around £20, including a SIM card and initial credit. Internet access is widely available within our homestays as well as public WiFi networks, and mobile data plans. Most international students benefit from getting a UK mobile phone service, with ‘Pay As You Go’ options starting around £20. This includes a SIM card and initial credit.

• Accommodation WiFi is available within your homestay
• Public WiFi networks
• Mobile data plans
• Libraries and study spaces

When using public WiFi, we recommend using VPN services for security.

London’s rich cultural landscape offers endless opportunities for discovery and enrichment. The city’s museums and galleries stand among the world’s finest, with many offering free entry to their permanent collections. From the British Museum’s vast historical treasures to the cutting-edge installations at Tate Modern, these institutions provide not just entertainment, but windows into art, science, and human history. Most venues offer free entry to their main collections, with special exhibitions often providing student discounts.

• The British Museum: Home to world-famous artifacts including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies
• The Science Museum: Five floors of interactive exhibits exploring scientific achievement
• Natural History Museum: Features the iconic blue whale skeleton and dinosaur gallery
• Victoria & Albert Museum: The world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design
• Tate Modern: Britain’s national museum of contemporary art housed in a former power station

Shopping in London reflects the city’s diverse character, with each area offering its own unique retail experience. Oxford Street stands as London’s premier shopping destination, hosting flagship stores of major international brands alongside historic department stores. For a more alternative experience, Camden Market’s maze of stalls and shops offers vintage fashion, handcrafted items, and global street food. Borough Market, London’s oldest food market, delights visitors with artisanal produce and street food from around the world. The modern Westfield centres in Stratford and Shepherd’s Bush provide all-weather shopping with hundreds of retailers under one roof.

• Oxford Street and Regent Street for international brands and department stores
• Camden and Spitalfields Markets for unique finds and vintage items
• Borough Market for artisanal food and local specialties
• Westfield centres for modern, all-weather shopping experiences

Entertainment districts across London each possess their own distinct atmosphere. The South Bank, stretching along the Thames, combines cultural venues like the National Theatre with romantic riverside walks and street entertainment. The West End, London’s historic theatre district, lights up each evening with world-class productions. Shoreditch exemplifies London’s contemporary arts scene, with its street art, independent galleries, and innovative pop-ups. Brixton pulses with musical heritage, offering everything from major concerts to intimate gigs, alongside some of the city’s most diverse dining options.

• South Bank: Cultural venues, riverside walks, and street performance
• West End: Theatre district, cinemas, and nightlife
• Shoreditch: Contemporary arts, street art, and trendy bars
• Brixton: Live music venues and diverse international cuisine

Understanding daily practicalities helps create a smooth transition into London life. If you are staying in a self-catering homestay or a student residence, food shopping will be on your mind.

London’s retail landscape caters to every budget and preference. Supermarkets range from premium stores like Waitrose and Marks & Spencer, known for their high-quality produce and prepared meals, to mid-range options like Tesco and Sainsbury’s, offering good value on everyday items. Budget-conscious shoppers often frequent Aldi and Lidl, which provide excellent value through their own-brand products. Most supermarkets reduce prices on perishable items in the evening, offering opportunities for significant savings.

• Premium supermarkets: Waitrose, M&S for high-quality and prepared foods
• Mid-range options: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons for good value
• Budget-friendly: Aldi, Lidl for excellent savings
• Top Tip – Look for evening discounts on fresh items

The city’s famously changeable weather influences daily life year-round. While temperatures remain relatively mild compared to many other European capitals, frequent rain showers and rapid weather changes make adaptable clothing essential. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear prove invaluable throughout the year, while layered clothing helps you adjust to temperature variations throughout the day. Each season brings its unique character to London, from the festive winter markets to summer’s open-air events.

• Year-round items: Waterproof jacket, umbrella, and sturdy shoes
• Summer (June-August): Light clothing with layers for cool evenings
• Winter (December-February): Warm coat, gloves, and scarf
• Spring/Autumn: Adaptable layers for changeable conditions

Understanding London’s food and drink culture helps you navigate social life and local customs. The city’s diverse culinary scene reflects its multicultural population, offering everything from traditional British pubs to international street food markets. While London maintains strict regulations around alcohol consumption and smoking, its vibrant café culture and restaurant scene provide numerous options for socializing.

• Legal drinking age is 18 with valid ID required
• Smoking prohibited in enclosed public spaces
• Tap water safe to drink and free in restaurants
• Student discounts available in many eateries

London offers countless opportunities for personal and academic growth throughout the year. The city’s seasonal events calendar brings different experiences each month, from summer festivals in the parks to winter ice skating at historic venues. Taking advantage of student discounts and free activities helps you experience the best of London while managing your budget.

• Winter: Christmas markets, ice skating, and festive lights
• Spring: Cherry blossoms in parks, cultural festivals
• Summer: Open-air theatre, music festivals, outdoor cinema
• Autumn: Harvest festivals, Halloween events, food festivals

Need More Information? For specific questions about student accommodation in London, visit our main website or contact our team. We’re dedicated to helping you make the most of your time in this extraordinary city.