Pros and cons of living in London: “Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford,” – rightly stated Samuel Johnson. Johnson’s quote sums up the best thing about living in London: you’ll never run out of stuff to do.
If you are planning to study in London, you must be aware of various things like rules and regulations or mandatory apps, the pros and cons of living in London, and much more. In this blog, we will discuss the pros and cons of living in London as an international student. Keep reading further!
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The Pros of Living in London
Studying in London is an exciting and fulfilling experience. If you are planning to study in London there are several advantages of living in London you should consider and opt for this vibrant city. The city is a preferable choice for international students with a world-class education and high-quality life. Renowned for its world-class universities and diverse culture, the UK offers a unique educational experience.
However, it’s essential to weigh the disadvantages against the advantages before making such a significant decision. Check out the advantages of living in London below.
World-Class Education in London
One of the best pros of living in London is the world-class education offered by this vibrant city. London is home to some of the world’s prestigious universities with around 17 universities throughout the city. The top tier universities according to the QS world ranking 2024 like Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), King’s College London, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Queen Mary University of London, and many more.
The level of education provided by these world-class universities is renowned for its strong emphasis on research, academic excellence, and innovation.
Earn Your Education, for Your Education
This is another major advantage of living in London as an international student you can work while studying. International students while studying in London are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week. Students who are enrolled in full-time degree-level courses holding a Student visa are permitted to work in the UK. During the academic year vacations, international students are allowed to work full time while If you hold a Student visa for a part-time course you will not have the right to undertake any work, paid or unpaid, in the UK.
Another advantage of living in London as an international student is that even after finishing their degrees, they can take advantage of the UK’s strong post-study work options for overseas students. Graduates with a valid UK degree are eligible to apply for a Tier 2 visa, which permits them to stay and work in the UK for up to five years.
Professional Development Opportunities
One of the best pros of living in London as an international student is the professional opportunities provided by this international economic hub. The city is renowned for offering various opportunities for students to develop their networking skills and gain work experience during their studies.
Most international students plan their study abroad dream with the focus of enhancing their capabilities on the professional front. This is the major advantage of living in London you are provided with numerous opportunities to enhance and elevate your career to the next level.
Cultural Diversity of the City
London is renowned for being one of the most diverse cities across the globe. It boasts people from over 270 nationalities living in this vibrant city. While studying in London you will have the opportunity to meet people of different backgrounds, religions, cultures, and nationalities. London is a melting pot of culture. One of the major pros of living in London is its immersion in culture throughout the city.
There are plenty of theatres, cinemas, galleries, and museums that prove just how much culture is in and around the capital city. Another major advantage of living in London is that most of the major art galleries and museums are free.
Also Read: Not sure which are the safest places to live in the UK? No issues, our blog will help you greatly – Safest Cities to Live in the UK for International Students!
The Cons of Living in London
When it comes to study abroad planning, international students prefer going to London or several other countries in the UK for their career advancements. No doubt, the city is renowned for its world-class universities and diverse culture and provides a unique experience, However, it’s essential to weigh the disadvantages against the advantages before making such a significant decision.
Keep reading further to know more about the disadvantages of living in London as an international student.
Cost of Studying in the UK
This is one of the major disadvantages of living in London as an international student. The cost of studying in London is quite expensive, especially for international students. No doubt, there are scholarships and financial aid offered by several universities and financial institutions but they are confined and limited.
Another major advantage of living in London is to bear the cost of studying in the UK as not all students may qualify for the same.
Visa Challenges and Restrictions
There are several challenges and restrictions for international students which is another disadvantage of living in London as an international student. For instance, an individual can’t work more than 20 hours per week while being on a student visa. Another major disadvantage of living in London is the time-consuming and daunting task of visa application or renewal process.
The UK has stringent visa regulations that international students must adhere to. So, this is another con of living in London as an international student. These regulations may require students to maintain a certain level of academic progress, enroll in a full-time course load, and report changes in their circumstances to the authorities.
Cost of Living in London
Another major disadvantage of living in London as an international student is the high cost of living in the UK, particularly in cities like London. The cost of living in London for international students varies between GBP 39,000 to GBP 40,000 annually. This cost of living is as per the rented accommodation in London, whereas the cost of living in on-campus student accommodation in London is GBP 20,000 to GBP 22,000 annually.
Accommodation, transportation, and everyday expenses can add up quickly, making it challenging for students to manage their budgets.
Further Read: If you are studying in London and excited to explore the elegance for which it is renowned, you must choose to reside in some of the posh places in London.
FAQs
High-quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and the opportunity to attend top-ranked universities like the University of Cambridge and Imperial College are some of the advantages of studying in London. The several disadvantages of living in London as an international student include high accommodation costs, cultural mag, visa challenges, work restrictions, and much more.
Yes, international students in the UK are typically allowed to work part-time during term time and full-time during vacation periods, subject to certain restrictions and visa requirements.
Consider options such as university accommodations, shared rentals with other students, or exploring areas outside central London for more affordable rents.
Yes, many universities and organizations offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. It’s advisable to research and apply for these opportunities early.
The cost of living in the UK varies with the locality, neighbourhood, and type of accommodation chosen. The average cost of living in the UK is GBP 12,000 to GBP 15,600 annually.
Hope you liked reading our blog about the pros and cons of living in London as an international student. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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