London travel and city Guide for international students

Considered as one of the world’s most important cities, London is the capital of the United Kingdom situated on the south-eastern side overlooking the River Thames. It’s an incredible bustling centre of economic, cultural, and educational activities since ancient times.

The city is among the largest financial hubs of the world and has also been tagged as the world’s most powerful, most innovative, and most investment-friendly city. Each year, the city hosts thousands of students seeking admission to one of the many best educational institutions established here.

When thinking about London, one is bound to appreciate the cultural diversity and immigrant-friendly attitude of this city. People from different corners of the world make up the population and create a welcoming aura of the city.

While exploring the city or traveling in the tube, you’ll be surprised to meet people speaking various languages and following different ideologies. Students have acknowledged that the city instantly made them feel at home, and making friends was an easy and enjoyable experience.

While the extraordinary blend of modern and ancient architecture and landmarks would allow you to experience the British essence of the city, living among various ethnicities that have contributed to the city’s character would be refreshing and comforting at the same time.

It’s true that the city has gotten its fair share of attention in the movies and novels. Still, there’s so much that needs to explore as a student. Whether you are a history fan or a travel lover, being a student in London will satisfy your wanderlust and make you grow both personally and professionally.

Studying in the best universities and receiving globally-recognised qualifications in a city with impeccable career prospects and a thriving job market is another attractive feature of studying in London. And, a walk down the Londoner streets to relax after a long day of studying is indeed a great idea.

Being a student in London shouldn’t stop you from being a part-time tourist! Add the city tour in your to-do list. Let us give you a quick overview of where to go in London where there are a lot of places with exciting activities happening every day and all around.

The first area to explore is Central London, also called Zone 1. As the name suggests, it’s the city centre and the innermost part of it with some amazing must-visit places. You can take a bus tour or choose to wander around on foot to visit key landmarks, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Gallery, and the University of London. You’ll also find shopping and entertainment centres in this zone.

If you’re planning for an evening that’s full of music, drama, or live comedy, the city’s numerous theatres won’t disappoint you at all. In fact, we would recommend the West End (Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus) for your fun night out. This area also has a number of high-end restaurants, but it might be a good idea to skip them if you’re running low on the budget.

Bond Street and Oxford Circus are a shopaholic’s dream destinations. You can also choose to drop by the grand shopping centers in Westfield London in White City and Stratford to spend on some high-quality products. If you have the soul of a hippie, you will fall in love with Camden, Shoreditch, and Brick Lane. These are the perfect hangout spots with cozy cafes brimming with life. This area of London will offer you venues for an intimate outing as well.

Furthermore, those interested in getting a glimpse of celebrities or with hopes of getting an autograph may go to Knightsbridge and Notting Hill. You can also check out the shops in these areas to buy some flaunt-worthy stuff.

The city will start getting a lot greener and the things a bit cheaper as you travel across zones 2 to 6. While East London is inhabited by people who love urban living, the area has undergone renovation during the 2012 Olympic Games and has become a new favourite for the young and energetic.

North London is an upscale area where most of the wealthiest residents choose to live. However, what makes London truly special is the absence of clear-cut lines that define the good and the bad parts. The city’s identity is described as a whole.

Don’t forget to visit and get some instagrammable pictures of the Tower of London, the Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the London Dungeon, and Madame Tussauds.

The Tube or the London Underground is the most preferred form of transportation for students. The public transport network is spread across the city and connects all the different parts of the capital. You can also travel via buses and over-ground trains. All these multiple modes of transport are functional 24/7, providing you the ease of traveling anywhere, any time. However, if you’re planning to travel between 7 am to 9 am or 5 pm to 7 pm, be prepared for congestion as you won’t be the only one going to work or back home during these timings.

Being a student in London means that you can be a part of one of the best educational institutions in the world. Since most of these colleges and universities accept international students, you can get wonderful academic opportunities, build a great career, and enjoy various activities offered by the city. Some institutions are famous for specific fields of study, and this might help you short-list the universities you wish to apply to.

If you are planning to apply to engineering or design programs, Brunel University might be a great choice. This university, named after famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, also has numerous other fields of great reputation. For students of economics and political science, the London School of Economics and Political Science are the ideal institutions.

Moreover, you should apply to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine if you’re planning to build a career in health and medicine. For students inclined towards finance and commerce-related fields, the City University offers many great programs.