London. The big smoke. If you’ve never lived in London, you’ll probably have heard people who live there complain about it, whilst also insisting it’s the best place on earth in the same breath. For Londoners, it’s home, the only place they would want to be; for those who move to the city in search of opportunity, it can become the home they never thought they’d find. Moving to London as a student requires some planning but it is worth the effort.
For students, London is a hub of connection, opportunity, fun, and things to explore. It can also be a tiring, difficult place to live which many find lonely. Here are three things to know before moving to London as a student!
London to London as a Student: It’s Expensive.
London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Most capital cities are the most pricey places to live within that country, and London is no exception. It is the fifth most expensive city in the world in terms of monthly rent and coupled with travel, shopping and activities, it is pricey. London student accommodation can amazing quality, however. Find out more information about student accommodation in London.
Student finance generally accommodates this. You are eligible for a higher maintenance loan if you choose to study in London, helping you with living costs for this expensive city.
It’s Not Like Other University Experiences
There are good and bad sides to this. The pros of London student living is that you will never run out of things to do – the city is packed to the brim with awesome experiences which will never cease to amaze you. Plus, there are over forty universities in London, meaning that the student population is enormous. This means there are always new faces to meet and student events at which you can interact with students from any other London uni.
The downside is that there is less of a community feeling to London university. In smaller cities such as Leeds or Glasgow, students are much more of a community and live in closer quarters. However, Londoners are generally an independent species and expect students to be similar. Finding friends and creating a support bubble can take longer, especially if you are new to the city.
London to London as a Student: You’ll Meet People From All Over The World
One of the greatest things about London is its cultural diversity. In no other city in the world will you meet quite as many people from different walks of life. The international student population of London is vast and varied. If you’re from the UK, you will have the experience of meeting students from Asia, America, Africa, Australia and other parts of Europe who will enrich your knowledge and challenge you in interesting new ways. London brings the whole world into one sprawling city – if this sounds like it’s for you, buckle up! It’s going to be a rollercoaster.
