10 Things to Know Before Studying Abroad in London

One of the busiest cities in the world, London attracts a wide number of international students. You might feel overwhelmed to study in such a big city, but the attraction is quite different. The city is amazing as it offers a wide range of educational opportunities. Some of the top-notch universities in the UK are situated in London. You will not only enjoy quality education but also have the time of your life.

If you are still deciding whether to study in London or already in the city navigating your way, these tips are everything you should know. This will help in making the most of your time in London, especially if you are a first-timer.

Public transportation will be your best friend

The list of study abroad in London tips will not be completed without mentioning public transportation. The Tube in London offers one of the top-notch public transportation systems. This means you can spend less time commuting and more time experiencing the beautiful sights around the city. Well, you will also get a chance to sit on top of a red double-decker bus. Yet, if you want to enjoy student discounts, get your hands on Oyster cards for train and bus commuting.

Pub Culture is something you should explore

There is a high chance you don’t drink, but the pub over here is not a place to hang out with

your friends. It’s a way of life. The British social life happens in the pub and you can learn a lot about their culture. In this place, relationships are formed, and you can make new friends or have lunch with your date. Pubs are a go-to place, every day and any time of the day. Find a pub you like and you will be happy to soak up the atmosphere.

Walking is great

As London is a busy and costly city, it is great to walk sometimes. It is easy to hop from tube to tube, but sometimes you can save a lot of time and money by walking. You can also get a better idea of the layout of the city that way. Especially when the day is sunny and bright, use your feet to explore the city. There are some walking tours too, which will show you the city so that you are aware of the routes.

There is a language barrier

Doesn’t matter how well you can speak English, you will feel a language barrier. There are

certain phrases in British English that are considered polite, funny, and rude, but they do not

come to a visitor naturally. The best way to get the hang of it is by immersing yourself in the city. Join a club, get a part-time job or make some British friends who understand the language. You need to pay little attention and you are good to go.

Plethora of markets

One of the most important things to know before you study in London is that you will stumble upon different markets. The city is home to many markets where you can find everything including food, flowers, books, and more. You can go to the Borough Market to try their artisanal cheese. Go to Portobello Market to check out the beautiful antiques. If you love flowers or coffee, then check out Columbia Road.

Try some scrumptious food

When you are in London, you can expand your palate. There are more than fish and chips in the city. The food scene over here is quite diverse. London is a multicultural city and here you can find some amazing cuisine from different parts of the world. Craving for samosa, bao or ramen? You can get everything in London. Explore all the food options.

Student housing is competitive

You can find plenty of student accommodation London, but the list of students trying to get in is long. Take the burden off your shoulders by applying early. This will let you find comfortable and safe housing for you. Read online reviews about the accommodations in London. You can also talk with students from your university to find the right facility for your preferred budget.

You can find Wi-Fi everywhere

You can update the ‘gram’ from anywhere. Yes, you heard it right. You can find Wi-Fi everywhere be it in cafes, restaurants, museums, and more. For ease and safety, you can get a UK SIM card. But there is no need to shell out for gigs on gigs of data to keep updated on your social media channels.

Keep an eye on discounts

London is a pricey city. Before you arrive, be aware of this. The costs of lodging, transportation, and entertainment mount up. Try creating a budget, this will empower you to determine how much cash you have to spend. Keep the student ID with you at all times. Not only it will enter the school, but it will also enable you to take advantage of some incredible savings. Keep an eye out for social gatherings, as there are always free beverages available. Carry a reusable bag whenever you go shopping to save some extra money.

Enjoy visiting museums for free

London is filled with free museums. Whenever you are bored, you can go to different museums. The best museum is the Museum of Natural History in Kensington. You can visit this place when you are free and don’t have a lot of money to spend. Science Museum is another top contender. These are not small museums. You can spend a whole day in them if you are into seeing everything.

Conclusion

When in London, you can do a lot of things. But, you need to explore the city at your own pace. It is a costly place and you need to spend money. Save money as much as possible to make things work according to you. Save as much as you can on your monthly fixed expenses like accommodation, rent, bills, etc. to ensure you can have enough fun.