Are You A Student Moving To London?

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We’ll hook you up with a flat you’ll love. And you’ll still have money for pub nights. 100% Guaranteed!

Student Move To London

Congratulations, you’ve been accepted into a London university! You’ll find your flat guaranteed through London Relocation. Studying abroad – and, for many students, leaving home for the first time – can be stressful. London Relocation® has helped thousands of students relocate to London.

You can trust us to find you a safe and friendly student accommodation close to your university, college or post-grad institution.

Personal Contact

We understand the importance of consistency, so one person will be assigned to assist you throughout the entire process.

Communication

London Relocation will answer all questions you or your parents have, we stay in close contact during the entire move to London.

Time Savings

Finding a London flat can take two weeks. All of our clients have found their flat with our One Day model.

“A Fantastic apartment as we requested. We could not have been happier, Thanks again guys!”

Mike Wahle: London Business School, Former Seattle Seahawk

How To Move To London

Safety

  • For you
  • For your daughter
  • For your son

Save Money

  • One Day model
  • Focused approach
  • Step-by-step process

The Day, The Process

  • Pick up at 8:30am
  • View 18–25 properties
  • Pick your favourites
  • We negotiate the lease
  • You move in!

Why?

  • Guarantee finding you a flat
  • Educate on London market
  • Hold your hand
  • 20 years of experience

Find Student Flats In London

London student apartments are available all over the city. In One Day we can find a perfect student accommodation. We will find the right place for you in the right London neighborhood. Student flats are everywhere, we make sure you find the right one.

West End

  • London’s famous attractions
  • Best hotels/restaurants.
  • Museums, theatres, shops.
  • Buckingham Palace.

Bloomsbury

  • Academic heart of London.
  • University of London
  • Home to the British Museum.
  • Vibrant nightlife

Finding your way around

  • Finding your way around can be quite tricky, on foot you will build your knowledge of your surroundings.
  • The streets and address numbers of the city don’t follow a set sensical pattern.
  • Ask someone for directions (a great advantage of living in a foreign city is that you know the language!).
  • Great public transportation if you don’t feel like walking.
  • Miles of underground Metro lines (nicknamed the Tube)
  • COMMUTER’S TIP: Citymapper is brilliant! For black cabs, Addison Lee is very safe!
  • And of course Uber

Should you move to London? YES! By utilizing LondonRelocation.com, students moving to London can focus on their studies and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer. Are you ready to start your adventure in London?

Find your dream rental now!

Student Guide To London – The Cost of Living

Living in London as a student can be an incredibly rewarding experience.  Not only are you in the same city as some of the oldest and most well-respected academic institutions in the Western world, but you’re also in a bustling space that never sleeps and surrounded with things to do.

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Students face an average monthly expenditure of around £930, with rent being the largest expense. On average, students spend about £515 per month on rent. Commuting costs and other living expenses, such as food, utilities, and entertainment, can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget carefully.

Before you jump in and get started with this new phase of your life, however, it’s a good idea to take a minute and review a few tips about managing your finances as a student.

  • Banking

  • You might not have thought this far ahead, but you’ll need to open a bank account in London in order to maintain your finances and collect any wages you might earn while in the country. The process isn’t an incredibly difficult one, but it does require a bit more effort than opening an account in your hometown.

    There are four types of documentation generally needed for a student to open a bank account in London. You’ll need a passport, a valid visa, a UCAS letter or letter from your university providing evidence of your studies, and a utility bill or tenancy agreement with your name and address. Note that you might need additional documents – it’s important to check with the bank or financial institution in question for more specific details.

  • Student Guide To London - Money Saving Tips

  • London is an incredible city with a wealth of culture and entertainment to enjoy. It is not, however, a particularly affordable city. This is especially true when you’re living on a student’s budget. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help stretch your money as far as you possibly can.

    Eat In

    There are many great restaurants in London, but there is an equal number of quality grocers. Consider learning how to cook some authentic London fare and impressing your family when you return home!

    Create a Detailed Budget

    This might seem like a given, but you’d be surprised at how often it’s overlooked. Sit down and create a realistic budget. Detail everything, from pens for a class to the price of a coffee every month. Understand exactly where you stand so you know where to save and where to splurge.

    Enjoy Student Discounts

    Students can enjoy thousands of free events, seminars, and lectures held in London. Transportation costs don’t have to be prohibitive, either. Students can sign up for discounted travel and save 30% on London travel cards. In fact, London is a fairly great city to study in, with thousands of student discounts for books, the cinema, and even various restaurants. You can take advantage of free entertainment, such as discovering historical London, and visiting Royal Parks, galleries, and museums.

  • Rental cost, renting a flat in London

  • Without a doubt, the biggest non-tuition expense you’ll face is your rental costs of the space you plan to live in. The best universities in London provide a Halls of Residence option, which is essentially dorm living. Accommodations in Halls of Residence, such as cafeterias, vary from university to university and may alter the price you pay.

    The cost of living in London is much higher than other parts of the United Kingdom. However, you should know that those areas that lie further away from the heart of the city (Zone 1) tend to have lower rental costs.

    Regardless, take your time when choosing where you want to live. You’ll be there for the duration of the school year at least, so its location relative to your school as well as public transport and other services can make your life more comfortable (and potentially save you more money, too).

  • Working While You're In School

  • While in the United States a college student can work however many hours as they’d like. The UK, however, has tighter restrictions on how much work a student can do. An international student studying in London on a student visa can work up to 20 hours a week while they are actively studying. During holidays students may work full time, but this is the only exception to the rule.

    There is another restriction to keep in mind, too. A student’s university must be listed on the UK government’s UKVI sponsor list as well as the list of recognized bodies. Most institutions that can provide you with a CAS will be listed under UKVI, you’ll want to make sure they are included in both lists.

  • Transportation costs

  • Even if you live near the university you’ll be attending, you may find you’ll still want to access the other parts of London, if not other areas of the UK as well. Buying a vehicle is generally an expensive option. Instead, you can utilize London’s extensive public transportation options. With buses, trains, and subways moving along routes through all nine zones, everything in the city will always be within your reach.

    The costs associated with public transportation are dependent on the methods used and how often you use them. Like housing, London has higher transportation costs than most of the UK. However, students are eligible for a discount. The Oyster card program allows students to save 30% on their transportation costs. Students can apply for them online but will need to wait until they are enrolled in a university and have secured housing (a London address is required as part of the application). Oyster cards are only available to students who are at least 18 years old.

  • Getting A Student Visa

  • If you’re attending a university in London (or anywhere in the UK), you’ll need to acquire a student visa. You should be aware upfront that those applying for a student visa must have an unconditional offer on a course with a licensed student sponsor.

    Your University will send you CAS number (called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). You will use the CAS number when you can apply for your visa

    Evidence of Income – Here you will need to provide documentation that shows you can afford your tuition as well as your living costs. You’ll need to show that you’ll have roughly £1,400 a month for nine months to cover living expenses.

    If you meet these two requirements, you can then submit your application online! You will, at some point, need to have your photograph and fingerprints taken at an approved visa application centre, but that’s after the application has been submitted.

  • Other Expenses

  • The other expenses you need to cover—like food, entertainment, and your mobile phone plan, for example—are harder to give an estimate on because they really depend on the choices you make. Some universities do give an estimate, such as University College London. They recommend setting aside $500 a week to cover personal items, necessities, insurance, and classroom materials. Ultimately, it’s up to you to shop around to find what you need in a price range you feel comfortable with, and to determine what it is you actually need versus what you simply want. Try to keep everything in a reasonable balance; if you find yourself short of cash at the end of the week, take a moment to reconsider your expenses and what you can change going forward. It may not be easy (or even possible) to make more money to compensate.

    There are, of course, some ways to help offset the cost of living. Enrolling as a student in the United Kingdom, for example, gets you a National Union of Students ID card. The NUS card is recognized by many shops and services and will provide you with discounts on everyday items if you’re willing to shop where it’s honored. Use this to your advantage to keep as much money in your wallet as possible.

    Careful planning and research is the key to making an easy transition into London student life. If you can visit the city before you begin your studies (not just your university or where you’ll be living). The more you know beforehand, the better prepared you’ll be and the easier you’ll adapt.

Student-Friendly Rentals in London – Overview of Options

The student housing market in London is diverse and caters to a wide range of needs and preferences. Students moving to London have several accommodation options, each offering unique benefits and challenges.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect:

  • University Halls of Residence: These are typically located on or near campus, offering convenience and easy access to university facilities. University halls often come with basic furnishings, utilities included, and communal spaces, making them an ideal choice for first-year students who are new to the city and looking for a supportive community environment.
  • Private Flats: Renting a private flat provides more independence and privacy. This option is suitable for students who prefer a quieter living environment or need more space for studying and living. Private flats can be found across London, from central locations to more suburban areas, offering various price points and amenities.
  • Shared Housing: Shared houses or flats are popular among students due to their cost-effectiveness. Sharing a home with other students can significantly reduce rent and utility costs. This option also offers a social living experience, as you’ll be living with peers who might be in similar academic and social circles.

Understanding these options is crucial for students moving to London, as it helps them make informed decisions based on their lifestyle, budget, and academic needs.

What to Expect

Typical student apartments in London are designed with the student lifestyle in mind. They offer a blend of comfort, convenience, and community, often including amenities such as Wi-Fi, communal study areas, and easy access to public transport.

Comfortable Living Spaces

Student accommodations are generally well-furnished with essential items like beds, desks, and storage units. They are designed to provide a comfortable living and study environment.

Convenience

Many student housing options are located near universities or have good transport links, making it easy to commute to campus and other parts of the city. Additionally, amenities such as laundry facilities, bike storage, and common areas are often available.

Community

Living in student accommodations often means being part of a community. There are usually communal areas where students can socialize, study together, and participate in events organized by the housing provider or university.

Student Guide to London – The Universities

If you’re planning to move to London as a student, you will find that there is a wealth of universities from which to pick. We’ve taken the time to compile some of the best educational options in the city in order to help you make the best choice for your needs.

  • King’s College

  • Any list of the top universities in London must start with King’s College due to its history alone. King’s College is one of the oldest universities in the city and has a deeply-rooted tradition of academic excellence across its various programs. The school consistently ranks among the top forty schools in the world and has a flexible curriculum that allows students to have more control over their educational goals. King’s College is located in the heart of the city, so there is always something for students to do.

  • City University

  • City University has long been a standout in London due to its stellar academic reputation. Graduates of this university are highly employable, and since the school has close ties with the business world in the city, that field of study is a particularly popular choice at the school. The school does boast over 100 disciplines, including well-respected journalism and law departments. Students will find that there is plenty to keep them occupied as the school is near The West End, a lively area of the city.

  • Imperial College

  • For students looking for the top universities in London with studies in science, medicine, and engineering, Imperial College is perhaps the first academic institution to consider. The college has led both the nation and the world in its various intellectual specializations for years and offers graduates the opportunity to couple any of its fields of study with the business for an even better work prospect. The college is located right in the middle of the city, too, which allows students to enjoy themselves with a variety of activities while not in class. From football matches to great pubs, there are few things out of recreational reach.

  • London School of Economics

  • The London School of Economics (LSE) attracts a lot of international students every year thanks to its booming economic and political science programs. The school has close ties with numerous institutions around the world, giving graduates a particularly bright career outlook. Due to its central location within the city, the university continues to attract individuals hoping to experience London while also preparing for a respectable career. Students looking for culture and education would be wise to check out this prestigious school.

  • London Metropolitan University

  • A relatively new school in the city, London Metropolitan University is fast becoming a premier location for aspiring scholars. With over 150 graduate and undergraduate courses to choose from, there is something here for everyone. More commonly referenced as the London Met, the school boasts state of the art facilities and two campuses, one in the heart of London and the other in the coveted Islington area. This school may not yet have the storied history that some other entries on this list boast, but it certainly has the tools and accolades to compete in London.

  • University of Greenwich

  • The University of Greenwich has attracted the attention of many collegiate due to its vocational programs that are focused on providing graduates with all the skills they need to find work. The school is well connected, and its student unions regularly host all types of events for the school’s diverse body of local and international students. All the perks of East London are also available, and students will notice the significant improvements being completed in the area.

  • University College London

  • University College London, or UCL, is one of the most prestigious schools in the world and serves as the dominant arm of the University of London. The number of disciplines offered at this prestigious school is unprecedented, and their graduates are often considered high-value prospective employees both in the U.K and worldwide. The school is located in the heart of the city and offers students the full “London experience”.

  • University of the Arts London

  • For artistic souls, the University of the Arts London offers an incredible number of potential courses. These include concentrations in design, fashion, performance art, and much more. Quickly rising in the ranks of art schools in Europe, this university is scattered across several points in the city, something that makes the experience for students all the more exciting. For the artist looking to take in the beauty of London while improving their craft, this is the school to check out.

  • School of Oriental and African Studies

  • The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) is a breath of fresh air in the city. It allows students the chance to broaden their horizons by immersing themselves in the cultures of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Studies focus on today’s most prominent issues such as democracy, human rights, identity, and social justice. More than half of the student body comes from outside the U.K, and they enjoy the prime Bloomsbury location in the heart of the city.

  • Imperial College London

  • Imperial College London consistently ranks as one of the most prestigious schools in the world. Boasting impressive medical faculty as well as a superb business school, this technology-focused institution is situated just south of the city center. Students who earn a degree from this school can expect a very good job outlook and an unforgettable experience that encompasses all the culture and education of London.

If you are a student moving to London, you are about to embark on an incredible journey filled with opportunities and new experiences. According to recent statistics, over 400,000 students relocate to London each year, with a significant number coming from abroad. London Relocation® ensures a smooth transition and a successful start to their academic journey!

Why You Need a London Relocation Company

Expertise and Efficiency

Relocating to London can be complex, especially for students. A relocation company can make the process smoother by providing expert advice and handling the details for you.

Relocation companies have the expertise to navigate the complexities of moving to a new city, making the process less stressful for students.

Services Provided

London Relocation Agents offer a range of services, including finding housing, negotiating leases, and navigating legal requirements. They can save you time and stress, allowing you to focus on your studies and enjoying your new city.

Relocation services cover all aspects of the move, from finding the right accommodation to dealing with legalities, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

How London Relocation® can help with the Relocation Process for Students Moving to London

Finding the Perfect Accommodation

We offer a wide range of housing options, from university halls and shared apartments, to private apartments and studio flats, catering to various budgets and preferences.

Our extensive database ensures you find a place that meets your needs.

Negotiating Leases and Legal Support

We provide expert assistance in negotiating leases and understanding legal requirements. We ensure that all necessary documents, such as your passport, proof of income, and acceptance letter, are in order.

This helps you avoid common pitfalls.

Tailored to Student Needs

We offer personalized services that cater specifically to students, making the relocation process as stress-free as possible.

From finding housing close to your university to providing neighborhood advice, our team is dedicated to ensuring you feel at home.

Ongoing Support

The support from us doesn’t end once you’ve moved in. We offer ongoing assistance to help you settle into London life.

This includes guidance on setting up utilities, understanding the public transport system, and finding local amenities.

FAQs About Student Relocation to London

  • Can a US citizen go to college in London?

  • Yes, a US citizen can absolutely go to college in London. London is home to many prestigious universities that welcome international students, including those from the USA. To study in London, American students need to apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for undergraduate programs or directly to the university for postgraduate courses. Additionally, they will need to secure a Tier 4 (General) student visa, which requires proof of acceptance from a recognized UK institution and sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses.

  • Is it easy for an American to move to London?

  • Moving to London as an American involves several steps, but with proper planning, the process can be manageable. Key considerations include obtaining the correct visa (usually a student visa for those attending college or university), finding accommodation, and understanding the differences in lifestyle and culture. London is an international city with a large expatriate community, so many resources are available to help with the transition. Services like londonrelocation.com can assist in finding safe neighborhoods, securing housing, and navigating the logistics of the move, making the process smoother.

  • Can I transfer from USA to UK university?

  • Yes, it is possible to transfer from a USA university to a UK university, but the process can be complex and varies by institution. Some UK universities accept transfer students into their programs, but the transfer of credits is not always straightforward due to differences in academic systems. It’s important to contact the admissions office of the UK university you’re interested in to discuss their policies on transfers and what documentation they require. Additionally, students will need to meet the specific academic and visa requirements for studying in the UK.

  • Is it cheaper to go to college in the UK as an American?

  • The cost of attending college in the UK as an American can be lower than in the USA, particularly when comparing tuition fees at UK universities to those of private institutions in the US. However, this varies depending on the university and program. On average, undergraduate degrees in the UK are shorter, typically taking three years instead of four, which can also reduce overall costs. That said, living expenses in London can be high, so it’s essential to consider both tuition and the cost of living when budgeting. Financial aid and scholarships may also be available to help offset costs.

  • The school system – Comparison with U.S. System

  • The UK’s education system is divided into stages: Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Further Education. Unlike the U.S., where the K-12 structure is prevalent, British children start primary school at age 4-5 and move to secondary school at age 11-12. After completing secondary education at age 16, students move on to Further Education, which includes Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) or vocational training. This stage is equivalent to the final years of high school in the U.S.

    Higher education in the UK includes universities and colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The undergraduate degree usually takes three years to complete, compared to four years in the U.S. Understanding how these stages align with the American system is crucial for students moving to London, ensuring they can plan their education pathway effectively.

    For families relocating to London, understanding the differences between the UK and U.S. education systems is essential for a smooth transition. Knowing the structure helps in planning and aligning educational goals for their children, whether they are in primary school, secondary school, or higher education.

  • Understanding UK Grading System

  • The UK grading system is different from the U.S. Don’t be alarmed if you receive a 60% on an assignment; this can be equivalent to a B or C+. The grading scale can vary by institution, but generally, a first-class honors (70% and above) is an A, an upper second-class honors (60–69%) is a B, a lower second-class honors (50–59%) is a C, and a third-class honors (40–49%) is a D.

    Understanding the grading system helps students set realistic academic goals and reduces unnecessary stress. Discussing your grades with your professors can provide clarity on expectations and areas for improvement.

  • Are there good mobile phone plans for international students in London?

  • Yes, providers like T-Mobile, Vodafone, and Three offer plans with international data, which are useful for students traveling around Europe.

  • What should I pack when moving to London?

  • Pack essentials like documents and a few favorite clothing items. London has many shops where you can buy what you need, so don’t overpack.

  • What is the cost of living for students in London?

  • Students in London face an average monthly expenditure of around £930, with rent being the largest expense. Effective budgeting is crucial.

  • Are there discounts available for students in London?

  • Yes, students can get discounts on public transport, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Register with UniDays and get a student Oyster card for additional savings.

  • How can I find student-friendly accommodation in London?

  • You can use university housing services, online platforms, and student forums to find accommodation. LondonRelocation.com can also assist in finding suitable housing.

  • What documents do I need to rent a flat in London as a student?

  • You will need your passport, proof of address, proof of income, and an acceptance letter from your university. Some landlords may also require a UK-based guarantor.

  • Can I work while studying in London on a student visa?

  • Yes, most student visas allow you to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during holidays.

  • Is it safe to live in London as a student?

  • London is generally safe, but it’s important to choose secure neighborhoods and follow personal safety tips, such as avoiding walking alone at night.

  • How can LondonRelocation.com help with my move to London?

  • LondonRelocation.com offers services to find accommodation, negotiate leases, and provide ongoing support, ensuring a smooth relocation process.