Settling in as an International Student

What is Living in London Like? 

Being an international student in London is something special. Think fast-paced living, surrounded by some of the best universities in the world. UCL, Imperial College, London School of Economics and King’s College London are just a few. There are activities and entertainment at all hours of the day, seven days a week. Iconic theatre. Classic and contemporary art exhibitions. A thriving nightlife scene. Best of all, London is a patchwork of cultures and influences, home to people from all walks of life.

You have done all the hard work to get into your dream uni! Now, it's time to settle in and enjoy the fruits of your labour. 

Top Tips for an International Student: Finding Housing

When you move to a new city, finding the right place to live can be daunting. London is big, bustling and a little overwhelming at first. Whichever student accommodation you choose should help you feel supported at every stage of the journey. 

Luckily, Chapter has student accommodations across central London, from Islington to Highbury and Southbank. Our team is here to answer any questions you might have before you arrive, help you figure out your campus commute and help connect you with other students with regular events.

Here are 6 things to consider when choosing your student accommodation:

Proximity to Campus

London has nearly 40 universities and institutions across the area. Where your student accommodation is could make the difference between a 20-minute commute and one that is over an hour. It all adds up. Especially when you want to squeeze in an afternoon nap or sleep in five minutes more! 

You can search for the closest Chapter student halls to your uni using the university search bar on the Chapter London website.

Price 

The cost of student housing in London varies depending on the location, facilities and room type. Make sure you choose somewhere within your budget that provides the standard of living you deserve. 

Most student accommodations in London provide all-inclusive bills. This means you don’t need to stress about whether heating your room or taking a shower is going to bump up your living costs. 

The closest Chapter accommodation to King's College London is South Bank. Chapter South Bank is less than a half-hour walk from the uni campus and rooms start at £470/week. If you don’t mind a slightly longer commute, rooms at Chapter Kings Cross are considerably less, starting at £295 a week. You can get to King's College in 24 minutes on the Piccadilly tube line. 

Facilities 

Uni accommodations have different facilities. Decide on your deal breakers and look for a student hall that fits your needs. Check if there is an on-site laundry facility, communal study spaces and, if you cycle, bike storage. 

Premium accommodation providers like Chapter provide additional high-end amenities. At every Chapter accommodation, you will find an equipped gym facility and communal social spaces. In certain locations, there is even a cinema and bar. When you’re torn between a night in and an evening out, you can enjoy an activity somewhere in between. 

Public Transport Links 

London has excellent transport links, especially if you use the London Underground.  Whether you go for student housing further out or choose to stay in central London, there will be public transport options to get you from A to B. 

Our Chapter Ealing residence in West London is around the corner from the North Acton underground station. The North Acton stop runs on the central line, so it takes you to Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road. 

Studio or Shared flat

Do you enjoy eating with friends, movie nights with flatmates and catching up in the kitchen after a long day? Maybe you prefer your own company and socialising on your terms. Whatever your preferences, take them into account when choosing your room. 

A shared flat is naturally more social. Spaces like the kitchen are communal and you will cross paths with flatmates regularly as you come and go. Meanwhile, a studio offers a self-contained environment where you cook, clean and sleep all in one space. Chapter has studio rooms and multi-bed flat shares available in our student halls.  

Does it Have the Right Vibe?

Where you live should have a community you want to be part of! Have a look at what events the student accommodation puts on. Check what support available to you if you are struggling and whether you feel like you would connect with the crowd. Make the most of the Chapter student community by joining the Chapter club. As a member, you can access all the Chapter London facilities. 

Year-round, we host social events across the city, from pamper days and pizza nights to Superbowl Sundays. Chapter London also hosts annual celebrations, like Halloween and the Chinese New Year. 

Navigating London’s Transport System

By Tube

The quickest way to get around London is using the London Tube. The colourful London Tube map can be confusing if you’ve never used it before, but don’t worry. If you're not sure, approach one of the Transport for London staff at the station. They will advise you about which platform you need or which line to be on. 

The London Tube has eleven lines: Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria and the Waterloo & City Line. Trains run every 2-7 minutes, so if you get off too early or hop on the wrong service, you’ll be back on track in no time. 

By Bus

Travelling by bus is one of the cheapest ways to get around London. Buy the Mayor’s Hopper Fare, and you can take unlimited trips on the bus within one hour of buying your ticket. The Hopper Fare is £1.75. 

All bus stops have their name, route number and the direction they are headed displayed on the sign. 

Helpful Apps for Public Transport

Find out which bus lines and stops operate near you with the TfL Go App.  You can also check the buses nearby and plan a journey on the TfL Website. Discover more of the must-have apps for students in London here. 

Buy a Student Oyster Card

For commuting students, the 18+ Student Oyster photocard is a must-have. The card gets you a 30% discount on adult and season tickets for most public transport services around London. 

Your photocard is valid for up to 3 years of your course and will be posted to you once your application has been approved. 

Helpful Travel Apps and Websites

Plan your route with Citymapper and TfL Go. They provide live service times and network updates from the public transport stops near you. You can also manage your travel costs through the TfL Go app. Read more about navigating public transport in London as a student here. 

Budgeting for London Living Prices

Moving to study abroad is expensive, especially in London. So, carefully consider the cost of studying in London as an international student before you apply. Students could be paying up to £1,500 a month just on rent, depending on where they live. Food and transport costs rack up too, typically between £200-£400/month.

Generally, students opt for a bank account with an overdraft so that they have a fund to draw from in an emergency. Providers like Monzo, Barclays or Revolut are popular. To open a UK account, you’ll need proof of your identity and address, as well as a university acceptance letter.

It’s also worth researching the grants and bursaries available through your university. You can use this financial aid to contribute to things like university books, travel and equipment costs. 

Many shops and restaurants offer student discounts to help you save. Download a student discount app like UNiDAYS and find your favourite deals. 

Settling into Student Life

Joining societies and sports clubs is one of the best ways to make new friends and meet people at university. Attend the taster sessions and team trials that interest you during Freshers' Week. Freshers Fairs, student events and networking meetups happen all over the city during your first two weeks. When you get stuck in, you’ll quickly bump into people who love the wacky, wonderful things you do. UCL have everything from a Pokémon society to an Argentine Tango and a beer pong club.  

If you’re struggling, whether that’s feeling homesick, anxious or unhappy, each university has well-being support available to you. The NHS service is also free to students with a visa longer than six months. Make sure to register with your local GP service when you arrive so that you can free healthcare. 

Attractions in London

If you’re looking to explore the city on a budget, try one of the many free activities. Visit the Natural History Museum, with its collection of fossils, ancient animal replicas and mineral specimens. Drop by the Tate Modern to appreciate the works of artists like Matisse and Rothko.

London isn’t all skyscrapers and bridges, either. There are free gardens and parks all over the city, including Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Hampstead Heath. The famous Camden and Portabello Road Markets are perfect for topping up your fridge with local produce and finding some of the best street food in London. Find out more about the best spots in London here. 

Best Restaurants and Markets

London is a cultural melting pot. No matter where you’re from, you’re sure to find a taste of home in one of the many restaurants and markets.  However, if you want to sample local dishes, why not try one of our budget-friendly British meals for students.

Part-Time Work While Studying

It never hurts to top up your fun fund. If you would like a part-time job, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time on a student visa. If you’re looking for student-friendly roles, search online for retail and hospitality roles in the area. Look on your university website for jobs on Campus in the Student Union too. 

Consider Cultural Differences

Us Brits are a quirky bunch. We have habits, phrases and a sense of humour that might throw a newcomer to the UK. Read up on our blog on ten typical English things to do. We’ve also included a few culture and etiquette tips below: 

• Brits love a Queue! If you go into a shop or use a service, it’s polite to respect the first come, first serve system and join the back of the line. 

• Punctuality matters. Arriving late can be seen as rude, so try to plan ahead. If you will be late, give a heads-up. 

• British humour is on the sarcastic side. It might take a while to pick up. Just remember not to take things too literally!

• Be respectful about personal conversation topics like financial situations and how much someone earns. It can be considered rude to ask about this openly. 

Find your Student Accommodation in London with Chapter

Chapter has en-suite apartments and studios across North, East, South, and West London. Explore the prestigious universities in the capital and learn more about applying for a room in one of our student homes today.