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Let's face it - London is big, scary and can be overwhelming. However, we've got you! Here's a few recommendations on how to navigate one of the best cities in the world, make the most of your time at UCL, and feel like a real Londoner in no time.
Use contactless or an oyster card to get about
You don't need to buy paper tickets to get on the tube, simply use your contactless debit or credit card to tap in. Don't forget to tap out so you are charged the correct amount!
Want to be super savvy? Get a 16-25 Railcard and link it to your Oyster card, to get 1/3 off travel during off-peak times; or if you're travelling regularly, you can get 30% off travelcards and season tickets with a Student Oyster Card.
Download Citymapper
There was a time before Citymapper, the ultimate travel app, where you would head out into the wide world not knowing how many minutes there was to the next tube, or which tube line would get you to your destination the quickest. From what we've heard, it was absolute carnage and no-one got anywhere on time.
Download the app, put in your beginning and end destination, and the app will do the rest. You'll be moving around London like a true Londoner in no time.
Stand on the right!
If you are on escalators on the tube, stand on the right, and let people who are busier and more important than you walk down the stairs on the left. If you don't stand on the right, expect a classic, passive-aggressive British sigh as people wait for you to move.
Keep your valuables safe
London is, like any other big city, susceptible to crime. Make sure to keep your valuables out of sight when sitting at tables or bars where people can easily walk past and potentially run off with things like your phone or wallet.
A common trend at the moment is people riding around on bikes, mounting pavements and taking phones out of people's hands, so be careful when out about if you need to check your phone or want to use it for directions!
Beware the unpredictable weather
We know, it's a bit of a cliché - but it really does rain a lot in the UK. If you're an international student moving to London for the first time, make sure you pack a raincoat and an umbrella. It's always best to check the weather forecast before heading out the door in the morning, just to be safe!
Layering is also key, especially when taking the tube. The underground is notorious for being absolutely boiling all year round, so make sure you factor that into your outfit choices (trust us, showing up sweaty to a lecture is not fun).
Find your community
In a city as big as London, it can seem tricky to find your crowd. Luckily, we've got 360+ clubs and societies for you to dive into. Whether you're into theatre, lacrosse showdowns, or vibing with K-Pop, we've got your back. Clubs and societies are an easy, affordable way to make new friends and build a community on campus.
Volunteering is also ideal for meeting like-minded people and getting to know your local community better. Our Social Impact team always have loads of exciting and rewarding opportunities for you to get involved in.
Always check for student discounts
Check websites and apps such as Student Beans, Unidays and more for discounted events, tickets, and offers.
Shops and outlets like ASOS, PrettyLittleThing and even Argos offer student discounts and student-exclusive deals too.
Find a park to take a break
Both our Bloomsbury and Stratford campuses are lucky to be a short walk away from some iconic parks, which is ideal if you need to chill out away from the city.
Regents Park is a 15 minute walk from the main campus, perfect for a run, a photography walk or a picnic with your coursemates. We're also surrounded by several parks, such as Russell Square, Gordon Square and Tavistock Gardens. Gordon Square is especially popular for alfresco lunch breaks amongst both students and tutors.
UCL East is right next to the Olympic Park. Also in East London, there's the massive Victoria Park and some city farms, too (Spitalfields City Farm is the best one).
Make the most of it!
You're in one of the greatest cities in the world - make the most of all the amazing stuff you can do, just a short tube ride away.
Even if you're not a History or a Slade student, make sure to check out London's amazing museums and art galleries. Many of them, like the National Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museum, are completely free to enter.
Don't confine yourself to campus - there are so many areas of London to explore, each with totally different vibes...
West: Spend a day off at Portobello Road Market, and feed the parakeets at Kensington Gardens.
East: Go to a gig at one of East London's many independent venues, or walk/cycle the Regents Canal from Kings Cross to Victoria Park.
North: Highgate Cemetery is great for a spooky autumnal day out, and God's Own Junkyard in Walthamstow is perfect for your next Instagram post.
South: Head to Brixton for some amazing street food, or to Battersea Power Station to window shop inside an iconic London building.
