Reasons to Consider Studying in London (and Staying There!)

Regardless of where in the UK you’ve grown up, considering a move to England’s capital city can be a daunting dream. In fact, singling out a possible study location might be as far as you’ve gotten in your preparations for university, but here’s why we reckon you should think even longer-term…!

London could turn out to be much more than your home-away-from-home for the next few years – it could be the place where you enhance your education, apply what you’ve learned, and thrive for years to come.

Incredible choice of courses

There are 45 universities in London, including several of the largest multi-faculty universities and world-class, specialist institutions. The range includes 4 of the top 40 universities on the planet as ranked by Times Higher Education, and means a combined choice of more than 30,000 courses across London’s long list of progressive university campuses.

Given the combined research income of more than £500m across London universities, renowned academics from all over the world are unsurprisingly also attracted to working and educating in England’s capital city.

The best city for students

We don’t just mean in the UK, either! London has been officially ranked the best city in the world to study in 2018. With more than 100,000 people flocking to the city every year to achieve crucial, career-building qualifications, you will find yourself amongst fellow students from 200 different nations.

Plus, beyond the educational slides of the lecture hall, there are more than 100 parks and cinemas, 350 live music venues, more than 1,000 museums and galleries, and many more bars, pubs and restaurants to indulge in.

… and beyond

With London also boasting the UK’s biggest economy, nearly a quarter of UK university graduates are attracted to the city upon completion of their degree. Working in a political, economic and cultural hub puts you on the world stage for international business, and shows employers in other parts of the UK that you can hold your own amongst the intense competition.

Wherever you are in the city, you’ll be well-connected in both business and transport networks, while studying and working in a culturally diverse city will be wonderful for personal development. You will, of course, be aware that living in London for any reason is relatively expensive, but this can also make you better at financial planning and budgeting as you go on…

Manage your money better

It’s unlikely that you’re heading to London with an unlimited supply of cash. Furthermore, while you may encounter other students who are more blessed in the personal banking department, you’ll find yourself wanting to make every penny count. Transport, rent and food are all more expensive in the capital, but there are deals aplenty to be found throughout the city.

From the moment you’re packed to go, save money by identifying the cheapest moving costs with Compare the Man and Van in London, and spend a few minutes every week looking for cheaper leisure activities.

Your student status will initially save you money in select restaurants and stores and on memberships and, by the time you graduate, you’ll also have an instinct for, and a well-earned education in, saving money.

Charlotte Giver

Charlotte is the founder and editor-in-chief at Your Coffee Break magazine. She studied English Literature at Fairfield University in Connecticut whilst taking evening classes in journalism at MediaBistro in NYC. She then pursued a BA degree in Public Relations at Bournemouth University in the UK. With a background working in the PR industry in Los Angeles, Barcelona and London, Charlotte then moved on to launching Your Coffee Break from the YCB HQ in London’s Covent Garden and has been running the online magazine for the past 10 years. She is a mother, an avid reader, runner and puts a bit too much effort into perfecting her morning brew.