Are you set to move to London for university? Congratulations! The capital is one of the most exciting cities in the world. There are so many opportunities for students to enjoy themselves, whatever their interests may be. However, it can also be overwhelming, especially when you’re moving out from home for the first time in your life.
To help make the move and the subsequent adjustment period easy, we’ve put together a guide full of tips and advice for students moving to London.
Part 1: Moving To London For University
Figure Out Your Living Arrangements
Before anything else, you must first know whether your university has on-campus student housing or if you will need to rent somewhere close. This will determine most of your moving arrangements, so it is vital to get this sorted before packing.
If you’re lucky enough to be live campus at university, you won’t have much preparation or planning needed for your move. All you’ll have to do is confirm your move-in date, and you’ll be pretty much set. However, if that’s not the case and you need to find student housing somewhere else in London, here are some helpful tips to bear in mind:
- Start looking for places well before your move-in date, as university accommodation is usually the first choice for students new to London, and they tend to be snapped up fast. If you’re eager to live close by then, you should get ready with references, bank statements, and any other documents that landlords might need from you.
- In terms of your budget, it’s best to have a ballpark figure in mind before you start looking at places. This will help narrow down the options available and ensure that you’re able to find something affordable within your means.
- Consider living with roommates. Having a housemate or two can make your move to London much easier, as you will be able to share the costs and duties that come with living on your own. If this interests you, it’s advisable that you get in touch with them well before moving day; roommates tend to be found through friends and social media connections (e.g., Facebook and Twitter).
Figure Out What to Bring With You
Many students moving out of their parents’ homes fail to realise that you won’t have room for the majority of your belongings. For this reason, you must decide what will be essential and what will simply take up space.
Moreover, you must also consider your wardrobe and how it will be affected by the climate in London. While you might not think about this before moving, winter can get particularly chilly and wet here; make sure that you take suitable clothes with you (e.g., coats and boots) to stay warm!
Meanwhile, if you plan on bringing a pet with you, be sure to check with your landlord or housing coordinator to see if this is allowed. The last thing you want is to be turned away at your new home because of your beloved pet.
Hire Student Moving Services To Help You With Your Stuff
Moving day can be hectic for anyone, but it’s even more so when you’re a student and don’t have much space or time to do all the heavy lifting. If this is the case, then consider hiring some help from student moving services in London. This way, you can also ensure that your things are handled properly and arrive in one piece.
Most companies provide all-inclusive services, which means aside from moving your stuff, they can also help you with other things like packing, unpacking, reassembling furniture, and even storage.
As for the costs, you will find that moving companies in London charge based on the factors surrounding your move. This includes the size of your belongings, how far away you’re moving from/to, and the number of trips that will need to be made.
Here are some more tips on taking the stress out of moving house.
Part 2: Settling In
Research On London
Part of settling into your new life will be learning about the place you’re living in. If possible, try and do some research on London before moving so that you know what neighbourhoods are like, which attractions might interest you, etc. This way, you can adjust accordingly once you arrive here.
Take Part in Local Activities
Another way to adjust is by getting involved with local activities. Most neighbourhoods have a community calendar that lists everything from clubs and classes to sports events and volunteer opportunities. This can be a great way of meeting people who share your interests as well as learning more about the area you’re living in – both are surefire ways of getting comfortable with your new surroundings.
Get To Know The People Around You
Another way to settle in is by getting to know your neighbours, roommates, or flatmates. You never know when they might be able to offer you a helping hand or let you borrow something that you need – it’s always good to have people around who can support you if needed.
Moreover, if you are spending time with a London local, it can help you learn more about the city. They will be able to tell you all sorts of fun facts, cool places to hang out at, and even how best to get around!
Figure Out Transportation in London
If this is your first time living outside of your hometown or country, getting used to transportation in London might seem like a daunting task. However, it is actually quite simple once you get the hang of it!
Get yourself an Oyster Card as soon as possible. This will allow you to travel on buses, the tube (underground), and several other modes of transportation. Once you have it, make sure that you add enough money onto your card each time so that when you run out, you can top it up again!
Part 3: Surviving Life As A Student In London
Get A Part-Time Job
London is one of the most expensive places in the world to live, which means that finding a part-time job can be extremely beneficial. Not only can it help you pay the bills, but it also gives you something to do when not studying.
Even if you have a monthly allowance from your parents, it is still a good idea to have some sort of side income. This will help prepare you for your future and make London feel less intimidating and more like home!
Plus, there are many opportunities for students in London that may not exist elsewhere – why miss out on them?
Eat Out Less Often
Especially if money is tight, try and avoid eating out as much as possible! Eating at home might feel like a drag at first, especially if you’re used to eating out every day. However, cooking your food is much cheaper and healthier than ordering takeout or going through the McDonald’s drive-thru (which can add up quickly).
It does get easier over time – not only will you learn what places are the cheapest for groceries, but you will also learn to make some delicious meals!
Find Out More About Student Discounts
Although it might seem like a no-brainer, many people don’t realise how helpful student discounts are. Not only can they save you money on food and drinks at restaurants or bars (which adds up quickly if you’re out often), but there are also discounts for specific stores and even some services.
Do some research on your student union website to see what sorts of discounts you can get with your card!
Keep In Touch With Family And Friends
Even if you’re busy studying and trying to get used to life in London, you must make time for your friends and family back home.
For example, try setting a weekly video chat or phone call with them so that they can see what is going on in your new city – this will also help keep them updated about your life.
You may also want to visit home at least once or twice during your studies so that you can catch up with everyone and show them around the area!
This is especially true if this isn’t your first time moving away from family, as it will help ease any stress or homesickness that you might experience while settling into your new life.
Let Yourself Enjoy Everything London Has To Offer!
Finally, the most important tip of all is to let yourself enjoy London! While it can be overwhelming at first when you’re living by yourself for the first time, try and do your best not to get stuck in a rut. After all, this city has so much to offer – there are museums and galleries, parks, concerts, and even just walking around is an adventure!
London might seem scary at first, but it can be the most amazing place to live if you give yourself enough time. So don’t worry – enjoy everything that this city offers and have fun along the way!
There you have it, some of the best tips one can have when moving to London for university! Hopefully, you will find this post helpful and find the best of luck in your new life! Meanwhile, if you’re looking for tips on how to decorate your space and make it feel like home, check this out.