London is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the UK, so it’s no surprise that many people from around the world move to the capital to study.
It can be hard to adjust to living in such a bustling, dynamic city, especially for young students, so to help we’ve put together some tips that will leave you ready to earn the qualifications you need to succeed later in life and enjoy the experience of studying in this exhilarating city.
Find Your Perfect Course
Whether you’re looking for a university, college or school, there are a variety of different education establishments based across London, each with their own specific focuses and strengths. It’s important that you take the time to find the establishment and course that are right for you before you relocate so that you can hit the ground running and enjoy your time learning in London.
Enhance Your English Skills
If you’re coming over to London to study and English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to make sure that you have the language skills to not only live in the city, but also to study and learn in it. There are many English schools in London that support international students, for instance SKOLA who have programmes for 6-9 year olds and 10-16 year olds.
Rent The Perfect Space
When moving to London from another country you’re going to need somewhere to stay, so search through the best student accommodation offerings in your chosen region and find the perfect base for your studies. It can be hard to find something that’s comfortable and within your budget, so try to find something a little away from your chosen school if you need to. Remember that you’re going to be living in your new base and socialising there, so try to find a space that suits your needs and budget but still has the facilities and communal spaces you need to adjust to your new home.
Make Money In Your Spare Time
It might be beautiful and full of culture, but London is also incredibly expensive. To enjoy yourself without dipping into your savings or going begging to your parents, find a way to make money, be it by getting a part-time job or by renting out something you don’t need. This will ensure that you’ve always got a little spare cash to spend having fun and seeing the sights and still have the time to keep working hard at your studies.
Keep In Touch With Home
During the first few weeks after your move to London it can be easy to spend time running around and having fun that you forget to check in with your friends and family back home. This may lead you to become homesick once the initial excitement of moving to London has worn off. To keep yourself feeling grounded, stay in touch with your family and friends and keep some little mementos of your home so that you always feel connected to it. This will leave you feeling confident and less homesick, giving you more chance to enjoy the experience of living and studying in this bustling city.
Eat New Foods
London has a diverse range of different cuisines and dishes on offer, so try to taste a little of everything during your time studying in the city. Immersing yourself in local flavours will make you feel more at home in London and give you the chance to discover what the locals eat and enjoy.
Share Your Experiences With Friends
Everything is better when you’ve got your mates around you, so try to find some new friends to share your experiences with. Most universities, schools and colleges have clubs or societies for international students, so you can meet new people with similar interests and share in the wonders of living in London with them.
Take Up A Hobby
Learn a new skill and make friends at the same time by taking up a new hobby while you’re living in London. There are so many exhibitions, facilities, schools and clubs in the city that you’ll be able to find something to suit you and that you couldn’t try at home, meaning you’ll be able to really immerse yourself in London life and learn as many new skills as you can during your stay.
Try Everything
Make the most of your time in London by trying to sample everything that this diverse city has to offer. Take every opportunity that your education provider offers you to travel and try to say yes to as many excursions, adventures and new experiences that your friends organise as possible. Then, when the time does come for you to leave, you will be able to go home safe in the knowledge that you made the most out of your time in London.
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!