Starting University in London: A Survival Guide for New Students

Starting university in a big city like London can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. With its buzzing culture, world-class institutions, and endless things to see and do, London is an extraordinary place to study. But between the high cost of living and the fast pace of the city, it helps to be prepared. Whether you’re a UK student or arriving from abroad, this guide will help you settle in, save money, and make the most of student life in the capital.

The first and most obvious tip: don’t get a car. Not only will you not need one, but it could end up being one of your biggest expenses after accommodation. Between sky-high insurance costs, ULEZ charges, fuel, maintenance, and parking, not owning a car could save you thousands of pounds each year.

If we were talking about university life in the US, it might be a different story. But in London, a car is rarely necessary. Students aged 18 and over can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard via TfL. This gives a 30% discount on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets. You can also buy a 16–25 Railcard (or 26–30 Railcard) and link it to your Oyster to save a third on off-peak fares and daily caps across the Tube, London Overground, Elizabeth line and most National Rail services in the city.

When it comes to housing, university halls are the obvious choice, but it’s worth exploring platforms like SpareRoom, Rightmove or OpenRent for private rentals, which can sometimes be more affordable. Just remember to factor in travel costs if your accommodation is further from campus. Always view a property before agreeing to anything, and never transfer money without verifying the landlord. Many universities also offer support to help students find short-term or long-term accommodation.

Cooking at home is one of the most effective ways to save money. It’s usually healthier than eating out and can be a good way to bond with housemates. Compare prices between supermarkets, keep an eye out for offers, and sign up for loyalty cards to build up rewards.

That said, there are plenty of affordable food options in London. Student discount apps like UNiDAYS and TOTUM often include deals at chains such as Leon, Itsu and Greggs. For something more local, street food hubs like Camden Market, Borough Market and Portobello Road offer inexpensive meals with a lively atmosphere.

One of the best parts of living in London is the sheer number of free attractions. World-renowned museums such as the British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, V&A and Science Museum all offer free entry to their permanent collections. You can also head to Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum or take a day trip to Bletchley Park, where Alan Turing and his team cracked the Enigma code during the Second World War.

London’s green spaces are perfect for unwinding between lectures. Holland Park is home to the beautiful Kyoto Garden and a peacock or two, while Richmond Park is famous for its free-roaming red deer. At weekends, wander through Portobello Road, Columbia Road Flower Market, Brick Lane, Chinatown, or Southbank, where there’s always something going on.

Websites like Eventbrite and Time Out London are great places to find free gigs, talks and festivals. The British Library is free to enter, as are most university libraries, and there’s almost always a local library nearby. These can be ideal study spaces if you prefer to work in a quieter environment.

Managing money is one of the biggest challenges for students. Be aware of any overdraft limits and try not to rely on them if possible. Budgeting apps like Monzo, Revolut, or Emma can help you track your spending and spot where you can save.

A part-time job can help ease financial pressure. London currently has a higher minimum wage of £13.85 per hour, compared with £12.21 elsewhere in the UK. On-campus jobs or flexible work in retail and hospitality can fit around your timetable and offer useful experience.

Of course, one of the biggest early hurdles is meeting new people and building a community. Pushing yourself to attend events, even those outside your comfort zone, can lead to unexpected friendships. Most universities have dozens of societies, so whether you love debating, climbing or film, there’s likely a group for you.

Many universities also offer free counselling and wellbeing support. Student life in a city like London can be intense, so it’s important to ask for help if you need it.

Living and studying in London isn’t always easy, but it is unforgettable. With a little planning and some local know-how, you’ll stretch your budget further, uncover the city’s best corners, and build lasting friendships. Everyone feels a bit lost at first, but soon enough, you’ll be navigating the Tube like a local and calling your favourite part of the city home.

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