Studying in London can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also brings a lot of new challenges that you may have never experienced before. In this blog, we provide you with the major things an international student should know when studying in London!
Research your university and program options carefully to make sure they’re a good fit for you
As an international student, there are many things you should consider when choosing to study in London. From the cost of living to the safety of the city, and even the availability of your chosen program, it’s important to do your research and make sure that you’re making the best decision for you. One of the topmost things you should know as an international student when studying in London is to research your university and program options carefully before committing.
Look into different universities and programs, compare costs and requirements, and make sure that what you choose is a good fit for you. You want to ensure that your chosen program will give you the best education possible and have a good support system for international students. Additionally, it would be best if you made sure that any courses or qualifications you attain will be taken seriously back home. This way, all your hard work won’t go to waste when it comes time to graduate.
Furthermore, research if any scholarships or bursaries are available for international students attending school in London. Many universities offer financial assistance specifically for international students who wish to study abroad – so don’t forget to check if any of them may apply to you!
All in all, carefully researching your university and program options is essential when considering studying abroad in London. Take time to compare different programs and assess which one is right for you – it could be the difference between an amazing experience studying abroad or an educational nightmare!
Get to know the city you’ll be living in – London is a big place!
As an international student, there are a few things you should know about London before you arrive. The city is huge, and it can be overwhelming trying to navigate your way around. Here are 9 things you should know before you start studying in London:
- Get yourself an Oyster card – this will save you money on transport costs around the city.
- Download a few apps to help you get around – Citymapper and Google Maps are essential.
- Know which areas to avoid – certain parts of London can be dangerous, so do your research beforehand and familiarise yourself with a map of the city.
- Find out where the closest medical facilities are – in case you need them!
- Familiarise yourself with the culture – Londoners can be quite reserved, so it’s important to not mistake this for rudeness.
- Get used to the weather – it’s often rainy and cold here, so pack accordingly!
- Be prepared for the cost of living – it’s expensive! Make sure you budget carefully and have enough money to cover your costs.
- Learn some basic phrases in English – this will go a long way in helping you communicate with people here.
- Have fun! – London is a great city with lots to see and do, so make the most of your time here!
London is a culturally diverse city, so there's plenty to do and see here. From world-famous museums and galleries to historic landmarks and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in London. Finally, remember that studying in London is an amazing experience that will stay with you for life. So make the most of it and enjoy everything this great city has to offer!
Budget, budget, budget – living and studying in London can be expensive
As an international student, you might be wondering how you can save money while studying in London. Here are 10 budgeting tips to help you out:
- Get a student oyster card – we’ll say this again as this card can give you 30% off all travel within London!
- Buy a travel card – this allows you to unlimited travel within London for a week or month at a discounted rate.
- Find free events and attractions – there are plenty of free things to do in London, from visiting museums to taking walks in the park
- Cook your meals – eating out can be expensive, so cooking at home can save you a lot of money
- Get a part-time job – this can help you cover some of your living expenses
- Save on accommodation costs – by renting a room in a shared house or flat
- Use public transport instead of taxis – taxis can be quite expensive, so using buses or trains is a much cheaper option
- Look for discounts and deals – there are often discounts available for students on food, entertainment, and clothing
- Avoid buying new textbooks – second-hand books or borrowing from the library can save you a lot of money
- Make use of student discounts – many places offer discounts for students, so always ask before you buy anything!
As an international student in London, you'll be able to enjoy all the benefits of living in one of the world's most exciting cities. However, it's important to remember that London is also a busy and fast-paced place, so make sure you take some time out to relax and explore everything it has to offer at your own pace.
Make sure you have health insurance
As an international student in London, it is very important to make sure that you have health insurance. There are a few things you should know about health insurance in London before you decide to purchase it. Here are 8 things you should know:
- Health insurance is not free in London. You will need to pay for your health insurance.
- There are many different health insurance providers in London. Make sure to compare and contrast the different providers before making a decision.
- Make sure that the health insurance policy you purchase covers you for the length of time that you will be studying in London.
- Be aware of what your health insurance policy does and does not cover. For example, some policies might not cover dental care or mental health services.
- To be able to use your health insurance, you will need to register with a GP (general practitioner) surgery near where you live in London.
- If you need to see a specialist, you will need to be referred by your GP first.
- Some hospitals in London have an accident and emergency department, however, they are only for urgent medical care and not for general medical care or treatment of long-term conditions such as diabetes or asthma.
- If you take prescription medication, make sure that your health insurance policy covers the cost of your medication or whether you will need to pay for it yourself.
Explore different areas of London and find your favorite spots
London is a city with a lot to offer, and as an international student, you will find yourself exploring many different areas to find the perfect spot for your studies. Here are 10 things you should know which will help you explore the different areas of London and find your favorite spots.
- Get acquainted with London’s transportation system – the London Underground or ‘Tube’ is one of the most efficient ways to get around town, so you must learn how to use it. The Underground runs all night on Fridays and Saturdays in some parts of London.
- Check out the area on foot – take a walk around different neighborhoods to get a better feel for the different areas and what they have to offer. This can be a great way to discover hidden gems as well as get an understanding of which area would best suit your needs.
- Make use of local markets and events – markets such as Camden, Portobello Road, and Borough Market are great places to pick up unique items, sample local cuisines, and get familiar with the culture of the city. There are often also events such as street performances or festivals that take place in these areas that can give you an insight into London life beyond what you can read about online or in guidebooks.
- Do some research before committing to an area – before settling on an area make sure to do some research about safety, local amenities, transport links, etc so that you can make sure it is suitable for your needs before committing to placing long-term.
- Explore London’s bars, restaurants, and pubs – they can be great places for socializing with other students from all over the world! Soaking up the atmosphere of these places can be a great way to explore different areas of London while also making new friends at the same time!
- Get involved in student societies – this is another excellent way to meet people from all over the world who share similar interests as you! Most colleges have societies available for almost every interest imaginable – so don’t hesitate to look into them if there is something that interests you!
- Make use of student discounts – many attractions throughout London offer discounts specifically for students – so make sure not to miss out on these when exploring new areas!
- Be aware of tourist traps – don’t let yourself be taken advantage of by unscrupulous businesses looking to take advantage of tourists! Do your research before going somewhere new so that you know what prices should be like for various goods and services before committing yourself financially!
- Take advantage of free attractions – there are lots of amazing things that don’t cost money – such as parks, galleries, museums, theatres, etc -so don’t forget about them when looking for activities during your stay in London!
- Don’t underestimate how big London is – one mistake many people make when coming here is underestimating just how big London is - it takes time to explore all its various districts thoroughly -so give yourself plenty of time when planning trips out so that you can get an authentic experience without feeling rushed!
These are just a few tips on how best to explore different areas of London and find your favorite spots during your stay here as an international student -so keep them in mind when planning your next adventure in this amazing city!