As a born and raised Londoner, I’ve pretty much seen it all: the good, the bad, and the strange things on the tube on a 7 am commute. When I started uni here, I definitely had a head start navigating the city, as I know my way around like the back of my hand. But I also know how overwhelming it can feel if you’re new. So, whether you’ve just moved into halls or you’re planning your big move, here are my honest dos and don’ts for living in London as a student.
Dos of living in London as a student
1. Take advantage of student discounts
In and around central London, you’ll rarely have to pay full price. With lots of cafes, restaurants and clothes shops offering both student and lunchtime deals. Always carry your student ID to claim your discount, and if there’s any blatant signage, don’t be afraid to ask. The student budget is a tight one!
2. Explore the hidden gems
London isn’t just Oxford Street, the London Eye and the trendy TikTok restaurants. Wander around smaller neighbourhoods and explore the beautiful green spaces such as Victoria Park, Alexandra Palace or Kenwood House. Travel around and try out local bakeries and food markets, window shop in charity and vintage shops or watch a film at an indie cinema. That’s where the real London lives. You might just find the best pasta of your life at the little Italian place hidden away in North London, for all you know. We have loads of guides on things to do in London if you’re stuck for ideas!
3. Use every resource you have available
Places like The British Library or the Wellcome Library are great places to study as they have access to books that you may not be able to access from your university library. You can also request journals and chapters, which they will order in for you. Additionally, many universities in London and the UK are part of the SCONUL scheme, which allows students to sign up and access study spaces, books and journals at other libraries which belong to the scheme. If you’re bored with your own campus and need a change of scenery, or just need a study spot for when your flatmates get too loud, there are absolute goldmines all around the city.
4. Look out for free events
There’s always something happening in London, no matter what piques your interest. There are so many exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, live music, and markets going on all the time. Check out this Instagram account for weekly recommendations on free things to do in London. Another way to uncover loads of fun, free things to do is by taking a quick scroll on Eventbrite. I’ve found so many gems on there!
5. Travel wisely
London has one of the most expensive transport systems in the world, with daily journeys costing anywhere from £10.50 – £16.50, depending on where you live. Before topping up that Oyster card, do the maths: sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a 7-day travelcard, which you can get 1/3 off with the 18+ Student Oyster Card. If you already have a railcard, link it to your Oyster for discounted off-peak fares when travelling from outside London into the city.
Don’t overlook the humble bus, it’s often the cheapest option and you’ll get to see loads of the city instead of being stuck on the stuffy underground. It might even be worthwhile investing in a bike. It saves you money in the long run, is faster than you think, and is great for the environment!
If you are taking the tube, stand to the right of the escalators. It’s the golden rule of London commuting if you want to avoid being shoved or sighed at.
6. Learn your neighbourhoods
There are some unspoken rules when it comes to London neighbourhoods. Camden is for the grungy gals, Kensington is the museum capital, and Shoreditch or Hackney Wick are where all the gentrifiers hang out. Head to Soho if you’re after a wild night out, spend a wholesome day in Richmond, and pop over to Clapham for a slice of mini-Australia. Every area has its own vibe (and its own stereotypes), so take the time to explore them. Getting to know London’s neighbourhoods will help you figure out where you actually feel at home.
7. Get involved locally
London can feel big and isolating, but small communities are what make it special. Find out about community events through local Facebook groups, pop along to a gig at your local pub or bar or even check the noticeboards or windows of your local shops for classes or groups you can attend.
8. Find your supermarket soulmate
Whether you’re team Lidl, loyal to Tesco Express, or a boujee babe who swears by Waitrose, finding your supermarket soulmate is key to surviving London life. The trick is to balance price with convenience. There’s no point wrestling a bag of potatoes on the bus just to save a couple of quid. Figure out which store works best for your budget and your schedule because, let’s be real, London prices can be brutal.
9. Carry an umbrella
London’s biggest stereotype, but if you know, you know. The one day you leave it at home is the day it pours. Yours sincerely, someone who ruined their Uggs in the rain :'(
Don’ts of living in London as a student
1. Be shocked by the price of chips
London is expensive; the base price for pretty much anything is £7. Yes, sometimes even chips. Budgeting will save you from many “That was how much?!” moments.
3. Be a slow walker
Londoners move fast, so you’d better keep up the pace, especially during rush hour. If you’re checking your phone, stand to the side of the road (not in the middle!) to avoid dirty looks and being huffed and puffed at.
4. Underestimate travel times
Just because somewhere looks close on the map doesn’t mean it is. Always allow extra time to get where you’re going. I give myself 15 minutes extra on top of however long the journey will take to account for unexpected delays. It’s always better to be early than flustered and running late.
5. Be oblivious
Living in a big city means needing to have your head screwed on straight. Don’t make a scene on public transport, keep your voice down in residential areas, and always be aware of what’s happening around you. Whether you’re crossing roads, taking the Tube, or walking home late, stay alert and trust your instincts. And maybe keep the volume down on your headphones, awareness is key to staying safe.
London is an exciting, chaotic, and (let’s be honest) expensive city. But once you find your groove, there’s truly nowhere else like it. It can feel overwhelming at first, so I hope my do’s and don’ts for living in London as a student help you navigate the madness and make the most of everything this incredible city has to offer.
I’m currently a BA Anthropology student so people watching is my favourite thing! I love going to concerts, pop culture and reading. In my free time, I love trying new places to eat.
