Studying in London

London is arguably the very greatest of the early modern cities, a place always fabulous and exciting. It has survived plagues, fire and war, and earned its place over and over as a centre of innovation and power.

A lot of what we understand about the world today was created and tested in London, and what happened in this city in the last 1,000 years continues to have profound effects on many parts of modern life - including our culture, economy, technology, politics, health and religion. There really is no where else you can go to study that offers a culture so rich and diverse; just like its people. The people are what really make London, scratch beneath the surface of its 7 million inhabitants and you will find an eclectic, vibrant group of people, who welcome new additions to the city, with open arms. The label, 'Londoner' is earned, its not a birthright.So often the wealth of free activities available in the city are overlooked, expensive West End shows chosen over say, a stroll from Borough Market down the Thames Path to a free Jazz concert in the Foyer at the National Theatre. With such an availability of free events and activities, London really is a supportive city to any  young persons studies.

The city can also plays a huge part in academic life. London has the greatest concentration of libraries, museums, archives and professional bodies than any other city in Europe. A city where, for example, history students may well find themselves  looking at primary-source material as part of their studies. Here are some handy tips and advice on studying in the capital and a few reasons why choosing to study in London could be the best decision you ever make.

Travel

If you are a student in London, a student oyster card is an absolute essential. The scheme has been developed by TFL and National Rail with the support of the University of London Union and the National Union of Students. An 18+ Student Oyster photocard entitles the holder to buy student-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets valid for 7 days, one month or longer periods of up to one year, which cost 30 per cent less than adult-rate season tickets. If you place of study is within walking distance, it still essential to have an oyster card loaded up with a small amount of cash for those emergency journeys, as if you pay for your journey using cash, it will always cost you significantly more.

Accommodation

For the majority of students, your first year will be spent in halls of residence and other college accommodation organised directly through your college or uni. Once you decide to move out halls and into shared private housing, the general rule is that cost per sharer falls as the number of people sharing increases. In March of every year, the Private Housing Unit conducts a series of Housing Talks advising students about how to look for private rented housing and their rights when they find it. These talks are highly recommended for any students who are seeking accommodation in London and are held all across the city, throughout the month. They also offer a contract checking service, just take it along on the day of your talk. Another option is  host families. Host families are resident Landlords, often with children, who offer accommodation inclusive of meals and the opportunity to live as part of their family. This is a popular option for students looking to improve their language skills but is also an option for those who do not like the idea of sharing a large house with fellow students and prefer a family atmosphere. Most University Accommodation Offices do not have the resources to match students with these families but there are specialist agencies that can carry out this work. An invaluable resource for any student seeking accommodation in London is the London Student Housing Guide http://www.studenthousing.lon.ac.uk

Culture

There really is nowhere else in the world that offers such discounted rates to students to access some of the most highly regarded cultural institutes in the world. The following theatres all offer discounted student tickets starting from as little as £5;
National Theatre
Royal Shakespeare Company
Royal Court Theatre
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Soho Theatre
Hampstead Theatre.

These venues are amongst the most prestigious in the world, and a visit to at least a couple of them is an absolute necessity. Early booking is often advised as there does tend to be a limit on the amount of discounted tickets they can offer. The cheapest cinema in London in undoubtedly the little known Prince Charles Cinema just off Leicester Square. Ticket prices really do start from as little as £1.50. Six of the best museums in the world also happen to be in London and they also happen to be completely free these are:

• The Science Museum
• Natural History Museum
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• National Portrait Gallery
• National Gallery
• British Museum

London also has some of the best open spaces, Royal Parks and markets in the world. All you need are some sturdy shoes, your oyster card tucked away in your pocket and some youthful enthusiasm, and you will truly have the most incredible time of your life, a time you will remember, forever.

Above all, when it comes to entering the careers market on graduating, London graduates start with a real advantage with so many of the country's major employers in the worlds of finance, business, media, the arts and communications on their doorstep.