Studying abroad is a big leap. New country, New faces and New culture. But if you’re going to make such a bold move, why not land somewhere iconic? Now imagine studying in a city with over 50 world-class universities, a history deeper than a Netflix documentary list, and a curry house on every corner.
Welcome to London, the pulsing, academic, and oh-so-eclectic capital of the UK.
This study guide in London is your compass for navigating life in one of the most exciting (and let’s be honest, intense) student environments in the world. But don’t stress, we’ve got you. From the best universities and top student areas to cost hacks and transit secrets, it’s all here.
Let’s jump into the real London experience. Spoiler: it’s not just tea, Tower Bridge, and red buses, it’s everything, everywhere, all at once.
Why London Is a Top Pick for International Students
London is not just another city. It’s a universe. A global hub with over 120,000 international students, making it the most international student city in the UK, and arguably, the world.
The academic prestige? Next-level. Four universities in the world’s top 50. Cutting-edge research. Faculty who double as TED speakers. But London’s pull goes far beyond the lecture halls.
Here, talent meets opportunity. From internships in world-leading financial districts to creative media houses, your career starts long before graduation. Plus, it’s packed with culture, museums, West End plays, global food, and music venues with legends and upstarts sharing stages.
And did we mention the support? Universities are equipped with student well-being centres, English language services, career advisers, and global societies galore. You’ll find your people fast.
Yes, London is fast-paced. But it’s also full of chances to thrive, if you know where to look. Lucky for you? This guide shows you.
Top 10 Universities and Colleges in London
1. University College London (UCL)
A Russell Group heavyweight. Ranked #8 globally. Known for Life Sciences, AI, Law, and everything in between. International to the core.
2. Imperial College London
Top-tier in STEM. Ranked #6 worldwide (QS 2024). Think biotech, engineering, data science. Campus life is sharp, intense, and impressive.
3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
The gold standard for Economics, Politics, Social Policy. Alumni include world leaders and Nobel winners. Competitive? Extremely.
4. King’s College London
Historic, well-rounded, and central. Amazing for Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and the arts. King’s Strand Campus overlooks the Thames.
5. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
Diverse and dynamic. Nearly 40% of students are international. Strong in Dentistry, Medicine, Engineering, and Law.
6. University of the Arts London (UAL)
Europe’s creative powerhouse. Fashion, Fine Art, Film, Design, Communication, UAL is the name in design schools.
7. London Business School (LBS)
Top-tier MBA and executive education. Suits ambitious postgrads looking to lead global boardrooms one day.
8. City, University of London
Especially respected for Journalism, Business, and Engineering. Home to The Business School (formerly Cass).
9. Brunel University London
Located in Uxbridge. High student satisfaction. Known for placements, engineering, digital media.
10. SOAS University of London
Globally revered for Asian, African, and Middle Eastern studies. International students feel truly at home here.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in London
- Scape Shoreditch
- IQ Aldgate
- Urbanest King’s Cross
- Chapter Spitalfields
- Unite Stratford One
- The Stay Club Camden
- Vita Student Lewisham
- IQ Bankside
- Mannequin House Walthamstow
- The Helix Wembley
Top 10 Student Areas in London
London is massive. Finding your niche is essential. These areas are student-tried-and-tested:
1. Camden
Close to UCL and UAL. Vintage markets, music venues, and canals. Home to The Stay Club Camden and full of creative energy.
2. Shoreditch
Trendy, artsy, and urban. Near City University, UAL, LSE. Popular with design and business students. Scape Shoreditch is iconic.
3. King’s Cross
Transport nirvana. Walk to UCL, Birkbeck, and SOAS. Close to Urbanest King’s Cross. Feels both central and chill.
4. Aldgate / Whitechapel
Ideal for students at Queen Mary or LSE. Diverse, affordable(er), full of history. IQ Aldgate is well-located.
5. Stratford
With Westfield Mall and Olympic Park nearby, it’s modern, social, and better priced. Near UEL and perfect for Unite Stratford One.
6. Lewisham
More residential. Well-connected to Goldsmiths, UoL, and UAL campuses. Vita Student Lewisham is student luxury.
7. Wembley
Budget-friendly. Home to The Helix and a multicultural student population. Great if you’re at Middlesex or Brunel.
8. Islington
Posh-meets-student. Perfect for City and London Met students. Buzzing pubs and garden squares.
9. Greenwich
Riverside charm + great transport. Uni of Greenwich and Ravensbourne students love the vibe.
10. Ealing
Leafy and low-key. Ideal for University of West London. Affordable housing with a campus-town feel.
Cost of Living in London for Students
Let’s be real, London is expensive. But with smart budgeting, you’ll survive (and thrive).
Here’s an average monthly student cost:
- Rent: £800–£1,400/month (cheaper in zones 3–5)
- Utilities/Bills: £70–£100 (often included in PBSA)
- Groceries: £150–£200 (more if you live near Waitrose…)
- Transport: £100 (with a Student Oyster card)
- Social life/personal expenses: £150–£250
Total = roughly £1,300 to £2,000/month, depending on location and lifestyle.
Pro tip? Learn to batch cook, get a Railcard, and avoid spending your student loan at Oxford Circus every weekend.
Public Transport in London for Students
Welcome to the blueprint of efficient public transport. London’s system is designed to move 8 million people daily, including you.
- Underground (The Tube): Iconic. Fast. Frequent. Get a Student Oyster card to save 30% off regular rates.
- Bus: Runs 24/7. Flat fare of £1.75, no matter how far. Amazing for budget-friendly travel.
- National Rail & Overground: Ideal for getting to uni suburbs like Kingston or Greenwich. Use with Oyster or contactless pay.
- Cycling: Santander Cycles (“Boris Bikes”) are cheap and all over the city. Great for short trips.
- Walking: Often faster than taking a bus during rush hour. Plus, you’ll discover hidden gems.
- Commuter Apps: Download Citymapper or TFL Go for real-time travel updates. Absolute lifesavers.
Londoners moan about transport, yes. But globally? It’s top-tier.
Summary: Why Study Abroad in London Just Makes Sense
London is more than postcards and palaces. It’s where education, innovation, culture, and career collide.
In this study guide in London, you’ve seen why the capital attracts thousands of ambitious students every year. Top global universities? Check. Diversity and opportunity? Check. Real-world connections? Double check.
It’s a playground for your ambitions and a proving ground for your future. You might feel overwhelmed at first. That’s normal. But soon, you’ll be navigating the city like a local, quoting Shakespeare on the Central Line and finding study spots on the South Bank.
And when you graduate? You won’t just leave with a degree. You’ll leave with a whole new outlook.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in London
1. Is London too expensive for students?
It can be, yes. But with scholarships, budgeting, and zone-smart housing, it’s totally doable.
2. What is the best university in London?
UCL and Imperial are top-ranked globally. Best depends on your course!
3. Can international students work part-time in London?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week during term, and full-time on breaks with a valid Student visa.
4. What’s the weather like in London?
Mild, but drizzly. Winters don’t bite too hard, but the grey skies stick around.
5. What’s a “Zone” in London travel terms?
London’s transport works in zones, 1 is central, 6 is outskirts. Living further out is often cheaper but may add travel time.
6. Is it better to live in halls or private housing?
Halls = convenience and community. Private = more privacy, sometimes cheaper. Both have their pros.
7. Are there scholarships for international students?
Yes. Most unis offer them based on merit, background, or chosen course.
8. How diverse is student life in London?
Extremely. You’ll meet people from every continent, and every cuisine.
9. What’s the best student area in London?
Depends on your uni. Camden, Shoreditch, Lewisham, and Stratford are favourites.
10. Can I stay in London after graduation?
Yes, under the Graduate Route visa, you can stay up to 2 years post-graduation to work or look for jobs.
