Living and Studying in the UK

A practical guide for international students in London — with links to trusted sources.

A practical guide for international students in London — with links to trusted sources. If you’re booking a homestay, you can also use our Student Guidelines for what to expect in a UK home.

Before you travel

Getting the basics sorted before you fly will help your first week go smoothly.

Checklist

Your passport and any required visa/permission to enter the UK
Your school/work placement address (or nearest station) for route planning
Travel/medical insurance (recommended for international visitors)
A UK plug adaptor (Type G, three rectangular pins)
A way to access money on arrival (card and/or small amount of cash)

Visa signposting

We’re an accommodation provider, not an immigration adviser. Visa rules can change, so please check official guidance before you travel.

Healthcare

If you need urgent medical advice in the UK, these services can help. Access to NHS services can depend on your immigration status and length of stay, so check what applies to you.

Key numbers

Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999
Urgent medical advice (not life-threatening): NHS 111 (phone or online)

If you have a long-term medical condition or you take prescription medication, plan ahead and bring the documentation you may need.

Getting around London

Most students use the Underground (Tube), buses, and overground trains. Your best route depends on your exact address and transport links.

Practical tips

Use a journey planner (for example Citymapper or TfL Journey Planner).
Contactless payment is widely accepted on public transport. If you use contactless, try to use the same card/device for each journey on the same day.
An Oyster card can be useful for some travellers and discounts, but it isn’t essential for everyone.
If you’re new to London, allow extra time for the first few journeys.

Staying safe in a big city

London is a busy international city. Most students have a safe, positive experience, but it’s sensible to take everyday precautions.

Common-sense safety

Keep your phone and valuables secure in crowded areas.
Be cautious if someone distracts you or asks to use your phone.
Use licensed taxis or trusted ride-hailing apps when travelling late.
If you feel unsafe, move to a well-lit area and ask for help.

Non-emergency police (if you need to report something): 101

Staying connected

A UK SIM can make it easier to navigate and keep in touch. Many students choose a pay-as-you-go SIM or a short contract.

Connectivity tips

If you rely on mobile data for your journey, consider arranging a UK SIM early or using airport/station Wi‑Fi where available.
If you’re staying in a homestay, Wi‑Fi is typically available in the home. Like any domestic service, it can occasionally be affected by outages.
Keep your phone charged when travelling. A portable charger can be helpful.

Money and budgeting

London can be expensive, but many students keep costs down with planning.

Budget-friendly tips

Look for student discounts (many attractions and shops offer them).
Cooking for yourself can reduce costs if you book self-catering.
Plan your commute and allow time for cheaper routes where suitable.

Everyday culture and routines

British culture may feel different at first. These small tips can help you settle in.

What to expect

Queues are common (people usually wait their turn).
People may be polite but reserved at first — this is normal.
In shared homes, quiet use of shared spaces and cleaning up after yourself is appreciated.

If you’re staying in a homestay

A homestay is a room in a host-occupied home with shared facilities in most homes. It works best when expectations are clear.

Quick pointers

Agree arrival details with your host in advance and keep them updated if you are delayed.
Kitchen access depends on your meal plan (see Meal plans explained).
For house rules and what to expect, read Student Guidelines.
Students aged 16–17: we arrange individual placements for 16–17 only. See the Safety hub for safeguarding information.

Useful links

In their words...

“We have been working with London Homestays since 2011. With their support, we have managed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend London Homestays to anyone who’s looking for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service.”
Alex Fernandes, Accommodation & Visa Compliance Manager, Malvern House London
“Having worked with them since 2013, I can state that London Homestays have always taken care to match our students with suitable host families. They have a very friendly yet professional approach to their work. Our students have enjoyed staying at their homestays. Overall, students say that their host families are attentive and welcoming.”
Carl Roberton, Principal, Stafford House School of English
“We at Burlington School have worked with London Homestays since 2014, and I professionally know the team since 2009 when I worked for another company in the education and accommodation industry. Having had the opportunity to work with London Homestays since the company started operations in London, all of the enquiries have been dealt with in a dedicated and timely manner, the team members are customer-oriented and always provide an exceptional accommodation experience to our students. I have no hesitation to recommend London Homestays as excellent accommodation providers and business partners.”
Eliane Tomasi, Accommodation & Welfare Officer, Burlington School
“LSC Stanton has been working with London Homestays since 2011 and we are very pleased with the quality of accommodation and service they give to us. We have a good relationship with the team and they are always on hand to deal with any last-minute requests.”
Nick Bray, Managing Director, London Study Centre.
“Cooperation with London Homestays is always great! We highly appreciate proactive approach and effort to ensure the best possible services for our groups. We always had a great clean accommodation, friendly family and smart local organisers. Students of our groups were satisfied and they enjoyed staying in London very much. We would like to recommend this agency. The whole team is very kind.”
Miroslava Foltýnová, Owner, CK Bus Tours.
“We offer internships in London to European students and looked for a reliable partner to provide accommodation to our candidates. We have been very happy with the services provided by London Homestays, as have our candidates, as they have always received quickly information on families, the possibility to book a room in a short delay and also a good quality of families. I would recommend without any doubt this agency. The team is very professional, efficient and friendly :). We hope to send new trainees soon!”
Stéphanie Frassanito, Program Manager, Work Overseas
“Our school from the Czech Republic has had great experiences with London Homestays. The host families were generally welcoming, kind, and accommodating. The service provided by the coordinator Kate O’Connor and other admin staff is second to none.”
Kate Powers, Vice Principal for English Studies, Sunny Canadian International School
It was an amazing experience, I’ve found a new home where I feel as comfortable as I do in my own home!
Laura, student from France: Homestay booking in Zone 2
“When my children went off to university and got married, my husband and I were empty nesters rattling around. We have an empty bedroom and I quite enjoy keeping it fresh for new students who come to stay with us both short and long term. Invariably, they show us a lot of respect. Coming to London to study or to work as interns is a big adventure for them and I enjoy settling them in and seeing them flourish. Some return or recommend to their friends to come and stay with us. London Homestays are a great organisation to deal with – good at communicating and highly ethical.”
Cathy, Homestay host in Colindale, London
“My first student has just left to return home and I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting her. It has been a lovely experience for me to help her with her English and learn about her Japanese culture.
I was nervous and apprehensive at first but it was so worthwhile and I look forward to continue hosting in the future. It has given me a boost knowing that I can give someone an opportunity that they may not have been able to afford without using London Homestays”
Audrey, Homestay host in Tooting, London
My homestay host Debra transformed my stay into the most amazing experience of my whole life!
Florian, student from Belgium: Homestay booking in Zone 3
My homestay host is a lovely lady, she was very helpful and genuine. London Homestays offer an excellent, fast service and quality accommodation. I would definitely recommend to my friends!
Shelaine, student from Canada: Homestay booking in Zone 2
Daphne was a really nice and welcoming host, I really enjoyed my stay with her and her family. Thank you London Homestays for connecting me with her!
Ben, researcher from USA: Superior homestay booking
My stay with my host family makes my time at UK much more fun and exciting! Life is happening!
Bao, student from China: Homestay booking in Zone 4+
“Really, we are very happy with our room at the residence. James in the residences team has helped us with all aspects of our booking and we would like to say, big thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
Dmitriy and Maria, two students from Russia: Residence booking
“I felt completely at ease and very comfortable with my host! She was really kind…many thanks!”
Doris, student from Italy: Superior homestay in Zone 2
“Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting (SCIC) has worked with Home from Home many times and they have provided a very professional service.”
Chan Sen, Director at Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting
“I highly recommend London Homestays! We have been working with them for a while now, and their professionalism and the quality of their homestays have always been exceptional. One of the homestays we collaborated with was so impressive that we even shared it on our YouTube channel to give our students a glimpse of the warm and welcoming environment they can expect. Thank you, London Homestays, for providing such amazing services. We look forward to continuing our partnership!”
Tuba Akca, Owner at Tubik Academy