With a population of over 8 million people, London is a preferable choice for international students. As per the latest reports, more than 25,000 Indian students have chosen London for their higher education. With home to some of the prestigious and QS-ranked universities like Oxford and Cambridge, London is like a slice of India. Nestled along the banks of the River Thames, London is a melting pot of cultures, history, and opportunities.
If you are planning to move to London for further studies or considering exploring this vibrant city, you are in the right place. In this blog, we will provide you with a London city guide that you may require in 2024 before exploring this city. Keep reading further to explore a comprehensive London city guide.
Table of contents
Top Things to Do in London
London is a beautiful and traditional city, home to some of the amazing buildings, iconic landmarks, and world-class tourist attractions. In the London city guide below are some of the top things to do in London.
Explore Iconic Landmarks and UNESCO Heritage Sites
You can explore the iconic landmarks and UNESCO heritage sites in London. The Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Westminster Abbey are some of the UNESCO heritage sites you can explore. Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and the London Eye are some of the best places to visit in London.
Hop-On and Hop-Off on the River Bus
To view some of the best views of the city’s skyline, next in London city guide taking a bus tour. The popular double-decked Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus will take you around the city through the River Thames and various other iconic landmarks.
Explore Museums and Galleries
Next in London city guide to explore the museums and galleries in the city. From the British Museum and the National Gallery to the Tate Modern and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London is never going to disappoint you. Many museums and galleries offer free entry to their permanent collections, making them accessible to students on a budget. You can also catch a West End show or a performance at the Globe Theatre.
Stroll through Royal Parks
London is renowned for its beautiful and scenic parks with the sheer number and density of trees even in the centre of this metropolis. If you are a nature enthusiast and looking for places to visit in London, the parks serve as an ideal destination. There are several parks spread throughout, to serve you with serene surroundings, clean and green environments, and fresh air. Some of the best parks in London include Green Park, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Bushy Park, Kensington Gardens, St. James’s Park, Richmond Park, and Greenwich Park.
Historical Tour Through the City
If you find yourself a history enthusiast, London is a gem for you. With its some of the historical places boasting beautiful architecture, there is so much London has to offer. There are various walking tours that provide plenty of unique sites with exciting options. Royal Walking Tour, Paddington Bear Walking Tour, Sherlock Holmes Tour, and Beatles London Walking Tour are some of the tours you can consider.
If you are a big-time fan of Harry Potter then don’t forget to head for a tour of Harry Potter film locations. Don’t forget to discover the ancient ruins of London’s Roman past, the London Wall.
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
Top Places to Eat and Drink in London
When it comes to eating in London, It is a paradise for food lovers. From some of the best restaurants in London offering British classics to flavours from across the globe, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Some of the best restaurants include Apricity in Mayfair, Plaza Khao Gaeng & Arcade Food Hall at Tottenham Court Road, Cavita in Marylebone, the Clove Club in Shoreditch, and Trivet at London Bridge. Butter chicken, chicken tikka, seekh kabab, and biryani are some of the best Indian food in London, the city has to offer.
Brunswick East, Pavilion, Leonie Cooper, Today Bread, and Milk Cafe are some of the cute and incredible cafes in London. Grab a coffee, take your favourite book, and relax here! Explore London’s street markets, such as Borough Market, Camden Market, and Portobello Road Market, where you can sample global cuisines, browse vintage finds, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Getting Around in London
Next in the London city guide is the mode of commutation. With well connected and extensive public transportation system, there are various options with the help of which you can get around in London. Choose the mode of transportation as per your budget and preferences.
Public Transportation
London boasts an extensive public transportation network, including the iconic red double-decker buses, the London Underground (Tube), Overground trains, and Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Investing in an Oyster card or contactless payment will make travelling around the city seamless and cost-effective. The fares of public transportation may vary in London travel zones. Keep checking the student discounts offered preferably on student ID cards. If using your own vehicle, be aware of the congestion charge in London.
Cycling
With dedicated cycle lanes and bike-sharing schemes like Santander Cycles, cycling is a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore London. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the city’s cycling rules and safety precautions before hitting the road. You may love exploring some of the posh places in London on the paddle. Cycling is one of the most preferable and fantastic choices to explore the city around.
Walking
London is a city best explored on foot, especially if you want to explore its historic charm and iconic landmarks up close. Be ready for leisure strolls along the Thames, through picturesque parks, and around vibrant and richest neighbourhoods in London like Camden and Notting Hill. Walking around the city can save you some extra bucks resulting in reducing the cost of living in London.
Accommodation in London
If you are planning to escalate your career to further heights in this vibrant city, finding suitable accommodation is one of the concerning things. Fly Homes is going to provide you with the best student housing property in London for your academic stay. Many universities in London offer on-campus accommodation options for international students, ranging from shared dormitories to self-contained studios. Alternatively, private accommodation websites can help you find flatshares or rental properties that suit your budget and preferences.
You may consider Fly Homes to streamline your search for accommodation in London. Living with a local host family is a fantastic way to become aware of British culture and practice English language skills. Sharing a flat with other students or young professionals is another considerable and affordable option.
Education in London
Next in the London city guide is education. London is home to some of the world’s top universities, including University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Take advantage of campus facilities, student support services, and extracurricular activities to enhance your academic experience.
Don’t miss out on exploring some of the beautiful libraries in London with an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents. From the British Library and Senate House Library to cosy cafes and coworking spaces, London offers a plethora of study environments to suit every preference. If you find yourself a book enthusiast you can also explore some of the charming bookshops in London. Find your ideal study spot and get ready to hit the books!
Cost of Living in London
Next in the London City guide is 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 which includes all the expenses like food, entertainment, accommodation, and all. The cost of living in on-campus student accommodation in London is GBP 20,000 to GBP 22,000 annually.
| 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) |
Also Read: Planning to study abroad? Well, check out our blog on the best places to study abroad in the US to avail world-class education.
FAQs on London City Guide
Some of the best places to visit in London are its historical buildings, beautiful parks, some of the amazing libraries and museums, and much more. Some key attractions include The Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Westminster Abbey.
The average cost of living is GBP 12,000 – GBP 15,600 for an international student. The cost of living may vary as per the choices, preferences, and budget of the student.
London offers an extensive public transportation network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, Overground trains, and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). The most convenient option for frequent travellers is to use an Oyster card or contactless payment method.
London offers a diverse range of dining options to suit every budget. Students can enjoy affordable eats at street food markets, budget-friendly cafes, and ethnic restaurants serving delicious meals at reasonable prices.
London is home to some of the iconic landmarks and attractions, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, the London Eye, and the West End theatre district. It also boasts historic neighbourhoods like Covent Garden, Notting Hill, and Greenwich.
Hope you liked reading about the London city guide. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
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