So, you are moving to London to escalate your career in this vibrant and exciting city. Well, London is a dream destination for study abroad students but there are a few things that should be kept in mind while moving to London. Here are some must-knows that will help make your transition to the British capital smoother. In this blog, we will be discussing the most important things to know before moving to London. Without further ado, Let’s begin.
This Blog Includes:
Cost of Living in London
The first and foremost thing to know before moving to London is the cost of living. If you are planning to move to the UK, you should be aware of the cost of living in 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. Check out the table below for a detailed analysis of the cost of living in London.
| Categories | Average Cost |
| Weekly Rent | GBP 90 – GBP 120 (INR 9,000 to 12,000) |
| Meals (x3 Daily) | GBP 30 – GBP 40 (INR 3,000 to 4000) |
| Transportation | GBP 50 – GBP 70 (INR 5,000 to 7,000) |
| Clothing | GBP 50 – GBP 60 (INR 5,000 to 6,000) |
Cost of Studying in London
Another thing to know before moving to London is the cost of education. The cost of studying in the UK is really worth it with its world-class education and top-notch facilities. The tuition fees generally vary from university to university as per the courses chosen. The average cost of studying in the UK for international students is GBP 10,000 to GBP 38,000 and 9.5 lakh to 36.5 lakh in Indian currency. While calculating the budget to study in the UK international students should consider allocating the budget to various things like cost of accommodation, Visa application fees, transportation costs, health insurance, cost of study material, and some miscellaneous expenses. Check out the table below where we have compiled tuition fees in the UK for you.
| Tuition Fees for Under-Graduate Courses | GBP 11,400 – GBP 38,000 |
| Tuition Fees for Post-Graduate Courses | GBP 9,000 – GBP 30,000 |
| Tuition Fees for Doctoral Courses | GBP 18,250 – GBP 35,500 |
| Tuition fees at public universities | GBP 7,298 – GBP 15,628 |
| Tuition fees at private universities | GBP 9,250 – GBP 38,000 |
Note: The data provided is approximate and subject to change. It can vary based on the specific program, nationality, and other factors, so checking with the respective universities for the most accurate and up-to-date information is essential.
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!
Healthcare in London
You should have details about the healthcare and insurance provided by the foreign country. This is another important thing to know before moving to London. According to the 2022 World Index of Healthcare Innovation, the United Kingdom (U.K.) ranked 15th in the world. London is amongst the world’s best-regarded cities in the case of healthcare. With access, infrastructure, nurses per capita, and general cost, London ranks third in the world. As a student in the UK, you are entitled to healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS). No private medical insurance is required unless your course is less than six months long.
As a student, you need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application fees. The health insurance fees may vary as per the duration of your course. This is one of the best things about moving to London, and you’ll simply register for it as a part of your visa process and pay a one-time fee. Amazing!
London’s Food Scene
London is renowned for its gastronomic vibrant scene with the highest Michelin-starred restaurants after Paris. The best part about London’s food scene is that you will find anything and everything in any corner of the city. If you are a fast food lover, there are various fast food chains from where you can grab your favourites. Soho is a preferable choice with an astonishing array of restaurants and some amazing coffee shops in the UK while Borough Market is a real food-lovers paradise, with overflowing market stalls boasting the most incredible ingredients and Camden is a place for street food lovers.
Don’t miss out on downloading food delivery apps for home delivery 24*7. If you love to cook, you may also join cooking classes in London to learn the traditional cuisines of the city.
Recommended Read: As an international student knowing about things like the cheapest online supermarkets in the UK, food delivery apps, etc. will come quite in handy. Refer to our blog on Best Food Delivery Apps in London for Students
Some Interesting Facts About London
The things to know before moving to London include several things. Here are some interesting facts and things to know before moving to London.
- With an average of 156 days of rain a year, London is renowned for all kinds of rain.
- You’ll probably get culture shock – and that’s okay!
- With 300 languages spoken London is one of the world’s most linguistically diverse cities.
- After the Black Death (1347–1353) and the Great Plague of London (1665–1666), there are several parks in London that sit over mass graves.
- London is a green city with 8.3 million trees for the 8.9 million people living there.
- From iconic Oxford Street to world-renowned Harrods, London is home to some of the world’s best shopping opportunities.
- With millions of visitors each year London is home to world-class incredible museums that are free.
- With traffic issues and average traffic speeds, London is quicker to walk rather than take bus services.
- The London Underground is the oldest of its kind in the world.
- London is broken up into 32 boroughs, each with its own neighbourhoods, distinct character, and culture. Choose your student accommodation in the UK wisely.
- London transport is one of the best in the world and the London Underground can pretty much take you anywhere and everywhere.
- Grab an Oyster Card – a rechargeable pay-as-you-go travel card that will open the doors of the London tube.
- You will likely need a long-stay visa to live in the UK.
- Don’t Panic! Taxes are Not as High as You Think in London
- Keep your National Insurance Number handy to access health insurance.
- Upon your arrival to London buy a local pay-as-you-go SIM card or a data plan.
- Make sure to pack waterproof clothing, a “brolly” (umbrella), as well as warm jackets for chilly days while planning an outing.
Also 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
Before moving to London you should be aware of several things like the cost of living, cost of studying, transportation system, vibrant food scene, and much more.
The UK is generally considered cheaper to live in compared to the US, with a cost of living index indicating that the UK is 7.73% more affordable than the US.
The cost of living comfortably in the UK varies, but a single person may need an income of at least GBP 18,400 per year to cover basic needs, including housing.
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.
Absolutely! International students can apply for a post-study work visa with the help of which they can work in the UK after graduation.
Hope you liked reading our blog about things to know before moving to London. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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