Study in London
Known for its bright red phone booths, amazing landmarks and vibrant culture, London is the most exciting city in the UK - and possibly the world! That’s why it’s no surprise that thousands of international students choose London as their study destination every single year - and you might be one of them!
We’ve put together this handy guide so you can get familiar with this dynamic city before studying in the UK and moving to the UK as a student.
Education providers in London
London is home to several world-class education providers. Although there are too many to list here, some of the most prestigious include:
Imperial College London - Ranked #6 globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2023
University College London - Ranked #8
King’s College London - Ranked #37
The London School of Economics and Political Science - Ranked #56
These are just a few of the most well-known institutions, with others including London South Bank University, Middlesex University, University of East London and University of West London. There are even some providers that focus on specific subject areas, such as London Business School, Royal College of Music, University of the Arts London and many more. In other words, no matter what course you want to study, you’re sure to find an excellent London-based education provider.
Lifestyle
London is an exciting city with so much to see and do. Some of the most famous tourist attractions include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Madame Tussauds. At any of these locations, you can take amazing photos to share with friends and family back home.
When you study in London, you can also visit many famous museums and art galleries, such as the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Britain and Tate Modern.
London is also famous for its fantastic nightlife. There are hundreds of bars, restaurants and music venues to choose from. After a busy day studying or sightseeing, you can enjoy the nightlife by having a meal at an authentic English pub, sipping on a couple of cocktails, or listening to nearly any genre of music you can imagine.
Cost of living
The cost of living in London varies depending on your circumstances. Your expenses will depend on where you choose to live and your lifestyle habits.
For example, if you cook at home more often than you eat out, your living expenses will be lower. When it comes to rent, university accommodation is typically more expensive than renting an apartment or flat. However, student accommodation tends to be closer to campus, meaning you’ll likely save money on public transport.
Here’s roughly how much you can expect to spend on certain expenses while studying in the UK:
Tuition fees: £17,109 - £22,200 per year (on average)
Rent: £750 - £848 per month
Household bills (gas, electricity, water): £140 per month
Public transport: £103 per month
Socialisation and recreation: £150 per month
Immigration Healthcare Surcharge: This varies depending on several factors, but for most students, the cost is £470 per year (or £39 per month)
Employment
One of the main reasons students from all over the world choose to study in London is because it has excellent job prospects. Many major companies such as the BBC, Deloitte, Unilever and Vodafone have their headquarters in the English capital. That means there are many opportunities to work with some of the world’s biggest corporations when you live and study in London.
Plus, if you want to find a postgraduate job in the UK, you’ll be glad to know that there’s now a new visa pathway: the Graduate route. This allows international students to work for up to three years after finishing their degree.
Read more about studying in London
Are you ready to study in London, start your dream career and soak up the culture? Take the next step by exploring your options and learning about life in London via the resources below:
Author: Sarah Pearce
