16 reasons to study in London
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16 reasons to study in London

Applying to one or more of London’s many universities? Here are 16 reasons why the capital is the ideal place for studying. 

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
16 May 2024

London is an exciting and vibrant city, offering students a unique opportunity to learn, explore and experience all that the world-famous capital has to offer. From its iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben and Tower Bridge, to its diverse cultural attractions and buzzing nightlife scene, London is unrivaled in terms of the experiences it offers for students from around the world. 

With plenty of unis spread around the capital, there are loads of opportunities for study in London no matter what subject area you’re interested in. Thousands of students each year choose London as their uni home, and students come from all over the world to study here. If you need any more convincing that London is the ideal place to study, here are our top 16 reasons why it’s a great choice. 

1. World-class unis 


London is home to some of the best universities in the world, including Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, UCL and King’s College London. Three of the top ten unis in the UK are in London according to Complete University Guide’s 2024 league tables. 

2. Rich culture and history  


Explore the city’s diverse history, vibrant culture, and visit historical sites like Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London. There are also incredible buildings to see, like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament which also have a lot of history attached to them. 

3. International student population 


Tens of thousands of students enroll in London unis every year. With a student population this high, you’ll never have to worry about finding friends with similar interests to yourself as everywhere you turn you’ll meet more new friends. 

4. Diverse languages 


Because there’s so many people coming to London from all around the world, you’ll meet a lot of people who speak multiple languages. Why not consider engaging in a language swap with someone who speaks a different language to you? Language swapping is a great way to learn about each other’s culture and you get all the benefits that come along with being able to speak multiple languages. 

5. Celebrity spotting 


Lots of celebrities call London home, so you never know who you could spot on a stroll through the park. There are actors, musicians, presenters and writers alike living around the city, so keep an eye out when you pop to the local supermarket in case you see a familiar face. 

6. Networking and internships 


Connect with professionals in your field and find internships to jumpstart your career while you learn in one of the world’s most influential cities. London is headquarters to hundreds of businesses and even businesses located elsewhere often have London offices. Attending careers events in London will allow you to meet professionals from a huge range of different industries and you might even find a graduate job through networking. 

7. Incredible nightlife 


From theatre shows to live music events, there are endless opportunities for entertainment around town. You can often buy discounted theatre tickets on the day of the performance, so be sure to bag yourself a bargain. Music doesn’t have to break the bank either, with lots of free events or events for under £10 a ticket on offer every day. 

8. Rewarding social activities 


No matter which uni you’re at in London, you’ll have the chance to join loads of different student clubs and societies through your Students' Union. As well as dedicated student clubs, there are lots of clubs, teams and more throughout the city that welcome students and non-students alike. 

9. Legendary sports teams 


Living in London means you’ll have the opportunity to watch elite teams such as Chelsea FC take on rivals from other countries at iconic stadiums like Wembley Stadium or The Emirates Stadium. Fans of rugby, football, cricket and tennis will also find some of the most famous stadiums and grounds in the UK across London. 

10. Art and culture 


Many of the museums and art galleries across the city are free to enter, and some of them are so big it’ll take you multiple visits to see everything on offer. It’s worth noting that some museums and galleries ask you to book free tickets in advance so you may need to plan before and book a slot. 

11. Really impressive transport connections 


Not only are there several airports within easy reach of London, but there are also major train stations throughout the city with links to practically anywhere in mainland UK you could want to go. As well as this, the local travel network is probably the best in the UK, with a comprehensive network of buses and underground trains running all over the city. 

12. Foodie heaven 


Enjoy an array of exciting cuisine with everything from classic British dishes like fish & chips to international favourites such as Caribbean jerk chicken or Lebanese falafel wraps available across town in cafes & restaurants alike. Pretty much whatever food you’re craving can be found here, and you’ll also find plenty of speciality restaurants catering to different dietary requirements as well. 

13. Dynamic shopping scene 


Make sure you take your student ID out with you whenever you go, because you never know when you might pass a shop that catches your eye. Most high street chain stores offer student discount, and some of the independent stores also have discounts available if you’ve got your student ID with you. 

14. A packed events calendar 


Living in London, you’ll want to keep an eye on social media and event apps such as Eventbrite to keep up to date with everything that’s going on in the city. There are hundreds of events every day, so if you’re looking in the right place, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. 

15. Easy access to the coast 


Although London isn’t near the coast itself, you can easily get a direct train to many of the towns and cities on England’s south coast and spend a day at the beach. A beach trip is a great way to relax after exam season, and with regular trains to and from the coastline, why not get some good old sea air? 

16. Last but not least... who wouldn't want to spend at least a few years living in one Europe’s greatest cities? 


Studying in London is an experience unlike any other. From the hustle and bustle of the city streets to the vibrant cultural scene with its art galleries, museums, and live music performances, there’s something for everyone in this bustling metropolis. The diversity of its population gives students a unique opportunity to develop both their knowledge and understanding of different cultures and societies.  

 

With its world-renowned unis offering a range of degrees from engineering to literature to finance to nursing, students can gain access to top quality academic resources and make connections with professionals from around the globe. London provides students with hundreds of activities beyond their studies too, from shopping on Oxford Street or Regent Street to attending the theatre or going for a stroll in one of London’s many parks. Whatever uni you choose to study at in the capital, London is sure to provide you with an unforgettable learning experience. 


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