Student life in London

In this London student guide, you can find everything you need to know about England’s famous capital. London hosts the UK’s largest student population of over 400,000 students and over 30 universities, attracting young learners and top-class academics from all over the globe. It’s, therefore, no surprise that London is one of the best student cities in the UK!

Imperial College London, UCL, and King’s College are amongst the consistently high-ranking institutions, renowned for their outstanding facilities and academic excellence. The student area you choose will really depend on the institution you attend, although Canary Wharf, Marylebone, and King's Cross are all popular. Remember to secure your base in plenty of time, as London was ranked as the third most in-demand city for student housing in the 2026-27 letting season.

• 1

  A walk in the park

  Just because London is renowned for being expensive, it doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of free things to do here. There’s a great assortment of parks, including the iconic Hyde Park, St James’s Park, where you can snag yourself some palace views, and Regent’s Park, where you can try a spot of boating.

• 2

  The place to be for culture

  If you love a museum or art gallery, you’ll love London. And the great thing is that there are plenty of free ones to spend an afternoon here, including the Natural History Museum, British Museum, and National Gallery. Immerse yourself in the history and culture either on your own, with friends, or on your next date!

• 3

  London nights out

  For some, nights out are a stand-out experience when it comes to London student life. In terms of nightclubs, Ministry of Sound boasts a legendary dance floor and multiple rooms, while the LGBTQ+ club Heaven offers drag queens, drink specials, and live entertainment at Charing Cross every week. Fabric is the place to be in Shoreditch, and Soho, Covent Garden, and Leicester Square are some key nightlife locations to look out for.

• 4

  Food and markets galore

  Our London student guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the city’s food scene. Borough Market is a top pick amongst students for its 100+ stalls of fresh produce, international street food, baked goods, and more, while Chinatown and Soho are also full of foodie options. You can look out for top-quality ingredients at very reasonable prices at Honest Burgers, and Roti King is a great budget option for lovers of Malaysian food.

• 5

  A well-connected city

  As the capital city, London is lucky enough to be one of the most well-connected areas in the entire UK - and the world. King’s Cross and London Euston Train Stations can get you to any major UK city, including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Edinburgh. You’ll also find several major airports (Gatwick, Stansted, City, Heathrow, and Luton), which are ideal for international students travelling home or sun-seekers.

• 6

  Sightseeing

  Our London student guide has to mention the obvious: in London, you can be a tourist in your own city with plenty of famous landmarks to keep you occupied. You can visit Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye, The Shard, 10 Downing Street, and more - take your pick! The hop-on, hop-off bus is a great way to see a bit of everything without walking, although these tours come at a higher price.

Imperial College London

Founded in 1907, Imperial College London is located in South Kensington and is one of the UK’s highest-ranking universities. This public research institution is home to over 20,000 students, with learners coming from more than 140 countries.

King's College London

King’s College London is home to over 42,000 students, having built an excellent reputation in law, the humanities, and the sciences since 1829. Enjoying top rankings in both the UK and worldwide, it draws in students from all over the globe.

University College London

Founded in 1826, University College London (UCL) is a globally renowned institution, consistently ranking in the top ten universities in the world. Based in the very heart of London, UCL draws in learners and staff from more than 150 countries.

University of Greenwich

Founded in 1890, the University of Greenwich is the UK’s second-oldest polytechnic. This public research institution is home to over 28,000 students and holds notable strengths in engineering and computing. It also has a UNESCO World Heritage Site campus!

Ravensbourne University London

Ravensbourne University London was established as a specialist institution in design and digital media, and was granted university status in 2018. This institution is renowned for producing highly employable graduates and also boasts state-of-the-art technology and facilities.

Goldsmiths, University of London

Formed in 1891, Goldsmiths, University of London, is popular with art and design students, famous for its creative and academic reputation. This campus has around 10,000 students from over 130 countries worldwide.

Queen Mary University London

With roots dating back to 1785, Queen Mary University of London is a prestigious Russell Group institution and is home to over 32,000 students. Renowned for its research excellence, particularly in medicine, dentistry, and law, it boasts a diverse community representing more than 170 nationalities.

St Mary's University

Established in 1850 as a teacher training college, St Mary’s University is a high-ranking institution located on a beautiful, historic campus in Strawberry Hill, Twickenham. Home to approximately 6,000 students, it is famous for its focus on sports science and teaching.

Kingston University London, Kingston Hill Campus

Kingston University London hosts a vibrant community of over 20,000 students from across the globe. The Kingston Hill Campus is a leafy site with a focus on business, education, health, social care, and music students.

Brunel University London

Established in 1966 and named after the Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this university is home to over 16,000 students on its Uxbridge campus. This institution is highly regarded for its engineering, design, technology, and sports science departments.

Middlesex University London

Middlesex University gained university status in 1992 and now serves around 19,000 students at its Hendon campus. The institution holds notable strengths in business, creative arts, and healthcare, and is known for its industry-focused courses.

Buckinghamshire New University (High Wycombe Campus)

Originally founded in 1891 as the School of Science and Art, Buckinghamshire New University gained university status in 2007, with its main site being the High Wycombe campus. The High Wycombe campus features the award-winning Gateway Building and has a strong vocational focus.

Buckinghamshire New University (Uxbridge Campus)

The Uxbridge Campus at Buckinghamshire New University focuses on nursing and healthcare, established in 2009. This modern, clinical-focused site features state-of-the-art simulation suites that mimic hospital wards, earning it a high ranking for student satisfaction and nursing.

London Metropolitan University

London Metropolitan University serves approximately 14,000 students across its vibrant Holloway and Aldgate campuses. It is particularly renowned for its practical learning approach and creative courses, including architecture, art and design, and business.

Birkbeck, University of London

Founded in 1823, Birkbeck, University of London, is famous for its unique evening-study model, allowing young professionals to work during the day. Based in historic Bloomsbury, it is a world-class research institution and a member of the University of London.

London School of Economics and Political Science

Founded in 1895, the London School of Economics (LSE) is a world-leading institution in social sciences and a member of the Russell Group. With roughly 13,000 students, it is consistently ranked as the #1 university in London and is globally famous for economics, politics, and sociology.

London South Bank University

Established in 1892, London South Bank University is one of the capital's largest and oldest universities, hosting over 15,000 students. Situated just minutes from the South Bank, it is a leader in professional and technical education.

Regent's University London

A private university established in 1984, Regent's University London is located in a secluded campus within Regent’s Park. With a highly international community of over 2,000 students, it is renowned for business and fashion, focusing on entrepreneurship and global networking in a stunning setting.

University of West London

The University of West London traces its history back to 1860 and is known for its career-focused courses, such as nursing, business management, and psychology. Additionally, it consistently ranks #1 in London for student satisfaction.

UCFB Wembley

The University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) is a specialist institution inside Wembley Stadium. This campus opened in 2014 as UCFB’s second campus, providing its unique classroom-in-a-stadium experience for over 2,000 students.

University of Westminster

Founded in 1838, the University of Westminster was the UK’s first polytechnic. Today, it hosts over 20,000 students across four London campuses. It is known for its career-focused, practical areas such as architecture, media, and art.

Royal College of Music

Established in 1882, the Royal College of Music (RCM) is consistently ranked as the number one institution in the world for Performing Arts. Located in South Kensington, it trains a small, elite cohort of around 900 students. Its alumni include legendary composers and performers like Andrew Lloyd Webber.

London School of Science & Technology (Wembley campus)

The London School of Science & Technology is a private higher education provider with a major campus in Wembley. It focuses on providing accessible vocational degrees in partnership with major UK universities. Its Wembley site is a fantastic spot for business, IT, and healthcare students.

MetFilm School

Based at the historic Ealing Studios, MetFilm School is a leading specialist film, television, and online media school. Since its founding in 2003, it has focused on practical learning with around 500 students working on professional-grade sets.

Richmond The American International University in London

Founded in 1972, Richmond American University London is a unique liberal arts university that awards both UK and US degrees. Based at its new campus in Chiswick Park, it hosts 1,000+ students from over 100 countries. It is famous for its small class sizes and broad curriculum.

University of Roehampton London

With a history dating back to 1841 through its four colleges, the University of Roehampton earned university status in 2004 and boasts a traditional parkland campus. Home to 12,000 students, it combines a rich academic heritage with a modern focus on business, humanities, social sciences, and dance.