Applying to University: Moving to London as a Student
Thinking of studying in London? Learn tips on applying to university in the UK, city life as a student in London, finding affordable student accommodation and more!
London is home to some of the top universities in the world, and with its rich cultural experiences, bustling nightlife, and endless opportunities, it's no wonder why so many students choose to study here.
I did my high-school (A-Levels) and degree (BEng Aerospace Engineering) here in London so trust me with what I have said in this blog. I will probably make another blog about "living your best life as a student in London" but I will keep you posted ;).
You will come across challenges of navigating the university application process, finding affordable accommodation, and budgeting wisely to make your money go further. In this blog, I'll cover all the essential information you need to know to make your transition to studying in London as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Let's get started!
Contents:
City Life as a Student in London
University Application Process in the UK
Finding Accommodation as a Student in London
Budgeting: Saving Money Tips for Students Living in London
Living in London as a student offers endless opportunities to explore and experience a diverse range of cultural, social, and educational experiences. Whether it's through joining university clubs and societies, exploring the city's cultural institutions, or simply enjoying the vibrant city life, London has something for every student.
Here are some of the benefits of living in London as a student:
Take advantage of student discount to explore cultural sites. You can explore sites suchas the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the Science Museum, and many other cultural institutions. Some of these are free while other provide a significant discount for student.
Take advantage of student discounts. Unidays is an app you must use as a student in London! You will have discounts in restaurants, retail stores (including clothing and technology), activities, and a lot more. I will expand on this in the Budgeting section below =).
Join a student society. It is the perfect place to meet people and learn new things! Joining a club or society is a great way to meet like-minded people, develop new skills, and engage in extracurricular activities that can enhance your university experience.
Benefit from various support services and facilities offered by universities and the city. These include career services, mental health services, sports facilities, student accommodation, and more. Facilities include multiple job fairs (e.g. Royal Aeronautical Society career fair in Hamilton Pl), The British Library in Kings' Cross, student only accommodations, and much more!
Live your best life in a big city. Living in London offers students the chance to experience a vibrant and diverse city that never sleeps. There is always something to do in London: pubs, bars, shopping, stand up comedy, clubs, arcades, food markets, just to mention a few.
The application process to apply to a university in the UK can vary depending on the institution and the course of study (e.g. medicine has a specific process). However, here are some general steps that most students will need to follow:
Research and select universities: Sites such as UCAS, Times Higher Education, QS World University Ranking, and the Complete University Guide will help in the process. Search for courses you are interested in studying, while considering factors such as rankings, course content, location, and entry requirements.
Meet the entry requirements: Each university will have specific entry requirements that students need to meet. These may include academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and any other specific requirements for the course.
Prepare the application materials: May include personal statements, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any other documents required by the university. Have these checked by your mentor or third member!
Submit the application: Students can usually apply online through the university's website or through a centralized application system such as UCAS. Most deadlines are before 15th January!
Wait for a response: After submitting the application, students will need to wait for a response from the university. This may include an invitation for an interview or a request for additional information.
Accept an offer: If the application is successful, you will receive an offer from the university. You will need to decide whether to accept the offer and provide any required documentation to secure their place. This is usually around March-April.
Apply for scholarships: Apply as early as you can. There are scholarships where you can only apply during your first year and covers all years of your degree. Sites to look for these include: Scholarship Search (run by UK Gov), The Scholarship Hub, UKCISA, The University of London Scholarships, The Fulbright Commission (for US citizens).
Some important points❗❗❗
Keep track of the application deadlines for the universities you are interested in and ensure that they submit their application materials well in advance of the deadline.
Take the time to review your application materials and ensure that they are complete, accurate, and showcase their strengths and accomplishments.
Consider clearing which allows students who have not yet secured a place at a university to apply for courses that still have vacancies. This usually takes place in August.
By following these steps, you can increase their chances of being accepted into a university in London.
In this section, I'll provide you with valuable information on how to find affordable housing options in London as a student.
You can read more about Finding Affordable Housing in London in the other blog I wrote a couple of weeks ago. However, I will provide a summary for finding housing options suitable for students in London, as well as tips and tricks on how to find these places.
Summary for finding affordable housing in London as a student:
University Accommodations, House Shares & Private Rooms
Aim for campus accommodation (if possible) in your first year. You will save money on accommodation and transport, meet people you could live with, and even give you time to look for other places for the rest of your degree.
If you are moving with a group of friends, consider House Shares - rent a house and split the price! You could end up paying £400-600pm and live with the people you have more fun with.
If you are moving by yourself, the cheapest option would be a room. A nice double-bed room can be around £600-800. For first year students, if you are lucky enough you could find accommodations on campus for as low as £400.
Top Platforms to Find Accommodations
Rightmove
Zoopla
SpareRoom
EasyRoommate
Gumtree
Movebubble
OpenRent
CityRooms
Ideal Flatmate
Student.com (for student housing)
Other Things to Consider
Check your tenancy agreementor ask the landlord to know what utilities are covered in the contract (e.g. council tax, energy bills, etc.). Utilities can be expensive so you can save a lot of money if these are covered.
Consider transportation options. London is well connected and easy to commute via public transport, but can also be very expensive depending on where you move and how far your university is from where you live.
Living in London as a student can be expensive, but with some careful planning and budgeting, it's possible to save money and make your money go further. Check my Budgeting Tips and Tricks from Locals after you are done with this part ;).
Here are some tips for saving money as a student in London:
Create a budget: Determine your monthly income and expenses, including rent, food, transportation, and other bills. Use this information to create a realistic budget and stick to it.
Cook at home: Eating out can be expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Plan your meals in advance, shop for groceries in bulk, and cook in large batches to save time and money. In the blog below I have a review of the cheapest supermarkets to save you $.
Use student discounts: Many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues in London offer student discounts. Always ask if there is a student discount available and bring your student ID with you. Again, Unidays is an app you must use as a student in London!
Take advantage of free activities: There are many free activities and events in London, such as museums, galleries, and parks. Take advantage of these opportunities to save money while exploring the city.
Use public transportation: Public transportation in London can be expensive, but it's still cheaper than owning a car or using taxis. Consider buying a student Oyster card, which offers discounted fares on buses, trains, and the Underground. You can even consider cycling!
Share accommodation: Sharing accommodation with other students is a great way to save money on rent and bills. Look for shared housing options, such as flatshares, and be sure to choose roommates carefully.
Find part-time work: If you have the time, consider finding part-time work to supplement your income. Look for opportunities on campus or online, and be sure to balance work with your studies. Some universities offer jobs so apply to them.
In conclusion, moving to London as a student can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it does require careful planning and preparation. By researching universities, applying on time, finding affordable accommodation, budgeting wisely, and taking advantage of all that London has to offer, you can make the most of your time as a student in this vibrant city.
Don't forget to explore the diverse cultural experiences, join university clubs and societies, and make new friends along the way. Whether you're interested in art, history, music, or science, London has something to offer everyone. So start your research and get ready for an unforgettable adventure as a student in London!
If you want me to cover anything else that could be useful as a student in London feel free to leave your question or topic in the comments =).
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