Whether you call it Central, Zone 1, or just “London,” we all know this part of the United Kingdom’s capital. Think Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and museums and parks galore. It’s the London of tourist photos, and – depending on which university you’re studying at – it could be the London that you’ll be calling home.
Sounds exciting? It is. Alas, it’s also expensive. I should know: I lived it. Studying for my master’s, and then my PhD, at University College London (UCL), I was initially placed in university housing in Bloomsbury, near to campus. Living on a student budget in the heart of London could be tricky, But, it also came with advantages including being able to sleep in as my classes were just a short walk from where I was living.
I was far from alone. Many of London’s best universities, including UCL, King’s College, the London School of Economics, and Imperial College, have centrally-located campuses, with student housing nearby.
So, if you’re going to be living and studying in Central London, check out these tips to make the most of it – even on a tight budget:
Student housing – pros and cons
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make impacting your student life in London is choosing whether or not to live in student housing. While it’s often possible to find cheaper accommodations on SpareRoom or similar sites, or through Facebook, if you’re a first-year international student, consider this article one point in favor of student housing.
Why?
A few different reasons, the first and foremost being social. As someone who is not only starting a new degree, but also starting out in a new country, it’s easy to feel lonely or lost. One way to help mitigate that is by living in a community of people like you. Students at the start of a new school year are generally eager to socialize, and beyond that, student halls often host events for residents to get to know each other, like dances, drinks nights, lectures and even rec sports and activity groups.
Another advantage of living in student housing is that you’ll be renting from an organization that is familiar with student life – and student finances. This means that many student halls offer scholarships, bursaries and emergency financial aid for students in difficult or unexpected financial circumstances, which can be a major benefit if you need it. Moreover, you’ll likely be on a utilities-included, month-to-month contract, which is easier to break in the event that you’re, say, traveling abroad for field work, and won’t have to worry about sorting out electric bills, internet and more, on top of all the other adjustments you’ll be making.
Get cooking!
Now, American college (and graduate) students are notorious for doing very little cooking, but I’m here to tell you that as a student in Central London, your kitchen is your friend. Most student halls have communal kitchens, which are not only handy places to meet people, but also a great spot to save money while learning new skills.
If you’re coming to the UK from the United States, you’ll be surprised at the price of groceries – in a good way!
Food prices are generally lower in the UK, even in London, than in comparable US locales.
It’s also much more common to find medium-to-large grocery stores in Central London than in comparable parts of New York, Chicago and other American cities.
While it can be tricky to make elaborate meals in student accommodation, another UK innovation that can help you out is “ready meals,” microwavable refrigerated meals that are generally much more varied and flavorful than the frozen meals common in US. These can be a quick, affordable, and tasty option for a “starving student.” Between these and home cooked meals, you can save money that will allow you to treat yourself when it really counts, as opposed to spending the lion’s share of your food budget on takeout.
Take advantage of freebies
It’s pretty well-known that some of London’s best attractions have free entry, including world-class museums, stunning parks and exciting markets. As a student, you should absolutely be taking advantage of these. But as a student in Central London, specifically, there’s another advantage you may not be aware of: brand activation freebies. These can be a great opportunity, especially for those on a flexible student schedule, to get some little luxuries without the price tag.
What are brand activations? These are mini promotional events companies put on to promote new products. In Central London, it’s very common to see activations from brands in the beauty, health and wellness, and food industries. They often include a decorated space to take pictures, games to play, and best of all, freebies! There are even social media accounts on Instagram and TikTok that specifically track brand activation freebies across London, and a quick search for “London freebies” can help you find them. Covent Garden Piazza, King’s Cross Station and Battersea Power Station are particularly popular locations for brand activations, and if you get there early, you can beat the queues and get yourself some treats.
Think outside your campus
One final word of advice for Central London students: remember, you’re not just a student, you’re also a resident of your neighborhood. Whether you’re in Bloomsbury, Holborn, South Kensington or somewhere else, get to know the place you live outside of student communities. That can mean getting a part-time job in a shop, restaurant or other local business, attending events and festivals in your neighborhood or just saying “hello” to people you walk past on your way to class.
As I said, being new in London can be lonely, but you have the power to change that.
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Read more about London here in Dispatches’ archives.
Ellery Weil
Dr. Ellery Weil is a writer and historian based in London. She was born in Washington, DC, raised in Maryland, and attended undergrad in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving to the UK to attend grad school at University College London, where she earned her PhD in History. She lives in London with her husband, where you can find her writing, reading, petting dogs in Regent's Park, and exploring the city's antique markets.
