by There’s a good reason why London is one of the top destinations for students to study. The rich history, diversity and lively buzz of London make it a great place to both study and explore. However, moving to a new country, especially a big city like London, can be very scary. It’s hard to know what you need, where to go and what to do once you get there. Therefore, this guide will take you through everything you need to know before your trip abroad to London to study, from where to live to cultural norms that you might not already know and how to stay safe in a big city.
Before You Go: What to Prepare
Before you even set foot in London, there are a few things that you need to prepare, from legal documents that are essential to get and stay in the country to personal belongings and clothing that will help you settle in seamlessly. Here’s a small List:
- Visa Requirements– Firstly, it is extremely important that you have applied for and attained the correct visa for your stay. This visa should be the short-term student visa, which you can obtain on the UK government website. To apply for this, you need a letter of confirmation to study, a passport, evidence of sufficient funds through bank statements and also proof of accommodation. Make sure to bring these to the UK with you too!
- Packing tips – London is cold most of the year; therefore, it is essential that you bring lots of layers and warm clothing! Also, make sure that you bring adapters for your chargers to avoid issues when you arrive in the UK. Another less important and more comforting suggestion is to bring something that reminds you of home to avoid homesickness.
- Accommodation options – It’s important to decide if you want to live in university halls or private accommodation. However, to avoid risk, you should look for these early so that you can find the best accommodation for the best price. Some may choose to live close to the university, close to the tube or parking in central London for easy travel.
Finding Your Feet in the First Week
The first week can be very intimidating. Navigating a new city, no matter how much you’ve researched, can be a big challenge. The first challenge is getting from the airport to your accommodation. There are two options for this: either using the tube or Uber. However, if you have a large volume of luggage, the best option is to get an Uber. This may be expensive, however, so this needs to be budgeted into your expenses.
The next essential step is to set up a UK SIM card, for example, with EE or Giffgaff. Also, opening up a UK bank account, such as a Monzo account, is recommended, as these accounts are student-friendly. In case of any illnesses, registering with a local GP by signing up online is extremely important.
Registering and enrolling at your university is crucial, as well as getting your student ID, so you can enter the university buildings and get your student number. Whilst at the university, it’s very beneficial to look out for orientation events, meet-ups and societies that you can join to meet new people.
Getting Around London Like a Local
What happens if you live a bit too far away from your university to walk? Well, London is equipped with a quick and convenient transport system through its buses and the tube. The best way to travel on these networks is to get an Oyster card, which you can just tap in and out of stations with. Luckily, students can apply for an 18+ travel Oyster photo card for discounts on all travel online. If you prefer to travel by bicycle, there are the Santander bikes that are available to rent throughout the city for efficient and affordable travel, which also lets you see the sights of London.
Tip: Try to avoid the hour for a more relaxing trip across the city
Living on a Student Budget
Budgeting in a big city can be difficult as everything is more expensive; therefore, it’s important to track your spending. You can save money through multiple methods. Shopping smartly is the best method to save money. Shops such as Aldi and Lidl are a cost-effective way to save money on ingredients, as well as shopping at local markets for fresh produce, which will last longer. As a student, there are hundreds of offers on clothing, food and toiletries; therefore, using apps such as UniDays and Student Beans is a smart way to get money off everyday items and food that you would already be buying. If you want to go out with friends and just explore, it’s a good idea to choose free things to do, such as going to museums, art galleries and parks, where you can learn and explore for free.
Culture Shock & Settling In
Adjusting to a new place with a new culture and people can feel like whiplash and make you feel homesick; however, there are a few tips and tricks that you can use to help assimilate into London society and to avoid homesickness.
- Attend events at the university students’ union, where you can meet classmates and other international students.
- When you’re on the tube, make sure to keep to one side to let others through
- Queuing is a cultural norm in England; therefore, make sure to join queues to avoid confrontation
- Join societies such as language societies to meet people who are similar to you.
Final tips
Overall, studying abroad can be scary, but it can also be the best experience of your life, making memories that will last a lifetime. With a bit of preparation and an openness to new experiences, you can thrive in London easily, so say yes to those coffee dates and that trip to the museum and experience London to its fullest.
