Written by Emma Cheung, BA English
Whether you’re from Birmingham or Grantham, Shanghai or Padua, moving to London is a big step. London is iconic and gargantuan, it’s polluted and expensive. London is where the fate of the country is decided and where royalty reside next to beautifully pruned parks. London is mesmerising and intimidating, and coming to study here might seem daunting. That being said, moving to London can be an incredibly enjoyable experience. Here are a few words of wisdom from someone who is still figuring it out.
Housing
Space is a very valuable thing in London. As you might learn from getting the central line at 17:30, space is often hard to come by. Before coming to university, I had reservations about the housing situation here, thinking I had to pick expensive halls to avoid sharing a room. It turned out that the halls on the higher end meant living further from uni in a space not much different from anyone else’s.
Here are a couple of tips for cheap accommodation and some reassurance that there are ways to navigate the unforgiving housing climate in London.
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Property Guardianship: If you’re okay with living with strangers, it’s worth looking into becoming a property guardian. Property guardians protect empty buildings by occupying them as shared living spaces. Only downside is the uncertainty surrounding how long you’ll get to live in one of these spaces. However, if you prefer a flexible contract and like to pack light, then this might be an option for you!
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SpareRoom: SpareRoom is a platform for finding flatshares and flatmates. If you’re open to meeting new people and want an easy move then check the website out.
If you're still stuck without a place sorted then the Union's Advice Service also has a list of options you can try out.
Money
At first London doesn’t seem very kind to those with empty pockets but, once you get into the swing of things, you’ll find that there’s more on offer than you expect. Once you’ve set aside enough for rent and groceries you might wonder if the glittering amusement park that London presents is more of a tease than an offer. Fear not! You will have to pass up a lot of expensive fun, but there is a lot of free fun to be had too.
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Galleries & Museums: Why not wander around the National Gallery after your lecture? How about heading east and popping into the Whitechapel Gallery? Keep up to date with free exhibitions and workshops at British museum and artist talks at the Tate Modern. Take advantage of culture in London and enjoy the beauty it has to offer.
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Free Entertainment: Attend a lunchtime recital at St. James’s, Piccadilly. Check out free gigs at The Unicorn and Rough Trade. PWYW (pay what you want) at Camden Comedy Club and pay nothing at The Bill Murray.
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Green Spaces: At some point you might find that the streets of London have become overwhelming and boring at the same time. When you reach this point I’d recommend a nice low-key green space like Abney Park Cemetery, Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood or the Barbican Conservatory.
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Anti-tourism: I like to think of London as a patchwork city made up of little towns. A lot of enjoyment can be found in a 30 minute bus ride out of Camden to a high street in a different borough. Take a break from the tourist traps and find a quiet suburb with a nice café.
Community & Independence
The strange thing about London is how alone you feel while constantly surrounded by people. Moving to university is a process of becoming independent in every possible way. You learn how to manage your finances and make friends in a proactive rather than passive way. You (hopefully) learn how to clean up after yourself and make your own decisions. And what London does, I think more than any other place in the UK, is to teach you how to enjoy solitude. Although community can definitely be found at UCL, London is the perfect playground to explore by yourself. Here are some ways to become a local:
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Volunteering: The Union has its own volunteering service which you can use to help the homeless, be a friend to the elderly or help the community in another way.
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Markets: Buy local produce at a farmer’s market or find the nearest arts fair this weekend with a quick search online.
Transport
Public transport is an essential part of life in London. With buses on nearly every street, Underground and Overground trains covering the city, and multiple fare zones to consider, navigating it can feel overwhelming at first. Many freshers find themselves overspending or confused by the different systems. To help you get around more confidently (and affordably), here are some tried-and-true tips for using London’s public transport without breaking the bank.
- Download the TfL Go App: The TfL Go app helps you plan routes, check live service updates, and view disruptions across buses, trains, and the tube. It also tells you whether a journey is in peak or off-peak time, so you can choose the cheaper option.
- Travel During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid travelling during peak times (weekdays roughly from 6:30–9:30 AM and 4–7 PM) to save money. Off-peak fares are significantly cheaper, and if your schedule allows it, adjusting your commute time can add up to major savings.
- Annual/Monthly Oyster: If you’ll be commuting regularly, especially within one or two zones, a Travelcard Oyster can save you money in the long run. Annual Travelcards come with extra benefits (like Gold Card discounts) and let you travel as much as you like within your chosen zones. You can also travel on TfL buses in any zone if you get one, regardless of the zones chosen on your card!
- Don’t Forget the Bus: Buses are not only cheaper than the Tube but also offer a flat fare (no matter how far you go) and free transfers within an hour. They can be slower during rush hour but are great for short to medium distances and exploring the city above ground.
- Get a 16–25 Railcard: A 16–25 Railcard gives you 1/3 off train fares, and when linked to your Oyster card, it also gives you discounts on off-peak tube and rail travel. It’s a great investment for students and pays for itself quickly if you travel often.
In Conclusion
You will soon discover that London is a place of coexisting opposites.
Council estates neighbour luxury apartments and quiet alleyways branch off from bustling streets. There is comfort in the chaos of London and affection hidden in every Londoner’s complaint. Take care of yourself and stay curious; coming to university might seem like a huge deal now but I have every faith that you’ll settle in just fine.