Living in London as a student
Live your student life to the full in the heart of London, the world's best student city.
Explore London
Why students choose London
Cost of living in London
London gives you the chance to experience the world in one city – from global food and culture to exciting events, career opportunities and student life. As the UK’s most popular city for international students, you’ll join a diverse student community and discover plenty of ways to make the most of your budget.
Compared to other major student cities around the world, London can also offer better value for money, with average rent lower than Boston (14.7%), New York (51%) and Zurich (12%).
Cultural experiences on a budget: enjoy some of the world’s best museums, galleries, attractions, parks and gardens – many of which offer free entry or low-cost student tickets.
Shopping: explore everything from high-street favorites to local markets, with plenty of student discounts available.
Travel: Oyster cards and 16–25 Railcard unlock discounts on Tube and train travel – and walking is a great way to explore the city.
Savings and services: discounted last-minute theatre tickets through TKTS, thousands of discounts via UniDAYS, TOTUM and Student Beans, free cups of coffee or tea, free money advice, free period products and a hardship fund for international students.
Cheap eats: £3 meals on campus, great value international food at local markets, student-friendly lunch deals and street food, yellow sticker discounts at most major supermarkets and lots more savings across the city.
Experience the best student life in London
A major global centre for almost every industry, the UK capital is home to one third of the world’s largest companies.
Over 500 international banks – as well as influential businesses and institutions – are located here. Plus, big names in media, law, science and more.
Just a 10–15 minute walk from the International Study Centre, you’ll find ‘Tech City’ – home to major businesses including Google, Amazon and Microsoft.
It's also the perfect place for aspiring entrepreneurs to kickstart their business.
Whether you're into art, theatre, museums or music, London has something for everyone.
Music – From iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall and The O2 to small pubs and clubs, London's music scene offers everything from big concerts to local talent.
Museums – Explore 192 museums, including world-renowned national institutions like The British Museum and the Natural History Museum.
Galleries – Discover traditional and contemporary art in London's many galleries, such as Tate Modern, The National Gallery and Saatchi Gallery.
Festivals – Experience unique events like Notting Hill Carnival, Chinese New Year celebrations and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. For more information, check out the official London visitor guide.
Theatre – Enjoy world-class shows in the West End, as well as comedy nights, musicals and international films in countless cinemas.
London might be a big city, but getting around couldn’t be easier.
The city’s excellent public transport system includes the iconic red buses and the 'Tube' – an underground network of trains. You can also explore by cycling or on foot.
If you plan to visit other parts of the UK, there are 9 major stations with links across the country. You can also travel to other European cities including Paris, Brussels and Lille using the Eurostar.
London is the perfect place to taste the different flavors of the world, reflecting the city’s multicultural population.
There are thousands of dining spots to explore here. Head to Chinatown for a wide selection of Chinese restaurants, Brick Lane for a curry or Brixton for Caribbean cuisine. Of course, don’t forget to try some of the UK’s specialties like fish and chips or a traditional roast dinner in a cosy pub.
London is a sports lover’s dream, whether you’re cheering from the stands or getting involved yourself.
Watch world-class events like football at Wembley, rugby at Twickenham, cricket at Lord's or tennis at Wimbledon. London hosts some of the biggest sports events in the world.
Want to join in? Head to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for a range of sporting activities, cycle around the Lee Valley VeloPark or swim at the London Aquatics Centre.
You can also enjoy sailing along the River Thames, try ice skating at The Natural History Museum or test your skills at the city’s many rock-climbing centres and tennis courts.
What our students say
Abdalrhman
| Syria"Living in one of the best cities in the world means you have many exciting activities to do. From the Thames to lush parks and vibrant restaurants, there's always something new to explore in just one city."
Pathway: International Foundation
Degree: BSc (Hons) Finance
