9 Reasons Why London is the Perfect Place for Student Life

There are universities all across the United Kingdom but London has more than anywhere else. It is also, in our opinion at least, the best place to be a student.

While we don’t want to take anything away from other university cities, none can offer the sheer breadth of entertainment, culture, richness and experience of London.

We’re so passionate about the city and why it’s a perfect place for student life, we’re going to spend the rest of this page convincing you it’s the ideal place to be a student.

University challenge

There are so many universities and colleges in London that it could be a challenge to choose between them. While much will depend on where you get a place, that initial selection may be more difficult than you might think.

Fortunately, UCAS and other organisations provide lots of guides on what universities are known for what courses to help you make a decision.

The downside of studying in London is the lack of self-contained campus. You don’t get the sprawling campus experience here that you would in Nottingham or Sheffield for example.

On the plus side, you’re in the centre of city life!

Nightlife and entertainment

Few cities anywhere in the UK have the range and variety of nightlife and entertainment opportunities.

Nightlife can include some of the best-known clubs in the world all the way to all-night cafes. Include bars, pubs, bistros, comedy clubs, live music venues and other entertainments and there’s no reason to ever stay in.

Entertainment choices are just as rich. Whatever you’re into, whatever you like to do, you’ll find it here. From skate parks to virtual reality, petting animals at the zoo to watching megastars at O2, it’s all on your doorstep.

Getting around London

As long as you don’t plan to drive while a student in London, you should get on fine.

It’s amazingly easy to get around using buses, the Tube, rail and even taxis when you need to. You can walk most places, cycle across the entire city and get around however you like.

The Student Oyster card lowers the cost and makes travelling so simple it requires almost no thought.

Plus, you have Uber, Lyft, tuk tuks, cycle and river taxis and other ways to get around too!

Despite its size, London is actually a relatively compact city. There may be 32 boroughs, but they are all close together and easily accessible by public transport.

Cultural mix and diversity

Despite the constant bad press, London is actually a mostly friendly, mostly inclusive multicultural city.

Of course, you have problem areas and areas that don’t mix so well, but on the whole, London is a melting pot of languages, colours, sights and smells.

All of which makes it an amazing place to spend time and to learn how the wider world works and just gets along.

Plus, that cultural mix is the perfect opportunity to see new things, experiment with different cuisines and immerse yourself in life outside uni!

The shopping

While shopping is a luxury for many students, if you feel like some retail therapy, you’re spoilt for choice.

From Camden Market to Brick Lane, Tottenham Court Road to Regent Street, Carnaby Street to Knightsbridge, wherever you go, there’s a chance to shop.

Each shopping area has its own feel and range of individual stores and chains.

London markets are also particularly good if you pick the right time. You can pick up some genuine bargains while immersing yourself in a unique character and feel.

The parks and green spaces

Another thing London has plenty of is parks. We have the Victorians to thank for that, and we do thank them every time we want to sit down and relax somewhere green and quiet.

From The Regent’s Park and Hyde Park in the city centre to Victoria Park or Richmond Park further afield, there are literally hundreds of green spaces of all shapes and sizes.

When the sun shines, most London students head for the river or the park. We know which we would choose!

Job opportunities

If you need, or want, to work to supplement your income, London is the place to do it.

While most cities welcome student workers, London usually has thousands of jobs suitable to fit around study.

Consider bar work, waiting tables, stacking shelves, driving for a ride app, working a market stall, being a porter in a hotel, giving guided tours, it’s all possible here.

There is a genuine shortage of workers right now across the capital. If you can’t find a job, you’re not doing it right.

Work placements and internships

London is also full of companies who want to invest in the future workforce by offering work placements or internships.

Some courses provide work placement as part of the second year while others leave it up to you to gain experience.

Either way, you’ll have hundreds of companies within a few miles of your location who offer those opportunities.

Free things to see and do

Finally, we think one of the best parts about student life in London is the sheer amount of things you can do for free.

We mentioned parks earlier, but you can also visit the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum for free. The British Museum is free, most London landmarks are free, lots of smaller galleries and museums are also free.

We would suggest donating if you can afford to, but otherwise, there is no charge to enjoy these amazing resources!