Living like a local: Insider tips for student life in London

Being a tourist is great when you’re on vacation. But you can’t go sightseeing every day, especially on a student budget. The best way to make London your home is to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture.

Get to know the rules: The sooner you grasp London’s unwritten social norms, the easier it will be to navigate around the city. From standing in line to ordering a drink at a bar, understanding the British way of doing things will make you feel connected to London’s student life.

Discover hidden gems: Exploring lesser-known spots and neighbourhood favourites, from quirky bookshops and underground bars to quiet green spaces, can uncover a whole raft of experiences that make living in London unique.

Local knowledge: London is one of the most expensive cities to live and work in the world, so it pays to know the best spot for coffee or a budget-friendly lunch. And by learning a few simple tips and tricks, you can save money on transport and activities.

Not sure where to start? Read on for our top tips for living like a local in London.

London has one of the most extensive public transport networks in the world. It’s by far the quickest, easiest and greenest way to get around – but it can take some getting used to.  

• Get a route planner: Download a travel app to help you plan your journeys and manage travel costs on the go. Citymapper or Transport for London’s Go app provide live bus, tube and Overground arrival times, as well as information about travel disruption. You can even choose between routes that are bus-only or step-free.  
• Find the cheapest fares: Students living and studying in London can save 30% on adult-rate travel cards with the 18+ student Oyster photocard. For the cheapest travel, pay as you go by using contactless or an Oyster card. Remember to touch in and out to ensure you don’t overpay for your journey.  
• Take the bus: Travelling on London’s iconic red buses is a cheaper alternative to the tube – and it’s a great way to get to know the city. The Hopper fare allows you to make unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of first touching in. 
• Choose two wheels: Cycling is a cheap, fun and healthy way to get around. Hire a Santander Cycle (or Boris Bike) from docking stations all over the city and explore London in your own time. And if you just need to get from A to B, an expanding network of cycleways connect neighbourhoods all over the city. 

For a shopping experience like no other, you can’t beat browsing the stalls at one of London’s diverse markets. From vintage clothes and furniture, to exotic produce and street food, there’s a perfect market for everyone. 

• Portobello Road Market: Discover five markets in one in the bustle of Notting Hill, including London’s biggest antiques market, every kind of fruit and vegetable you can imagine, clothing and secondhand goods. 
• Notting Hill is a vibrant neighbourhood home to colourful houses, cute cafes and vintage boutiques – as well as the annual Notting Hill Carnival. 
• Borough Market: Squeezed between London Bridge station and the Thames, Borough Market is a foodie haven, with stalls selling every kind of culinary delicacy, from top-quality meat and fish to cheese, sweet treats and a huge selection of street food. 
• London Bridge has plenty to offer. Stroll along the South Bank to the Tate Modern and enjoy views of St Paul’s Cathedral or explore the historic Bermondsey Street, packed with restaurants, delis and pubs. 
• Camden Market: Known for its alternative vibe, the bustling Camden Market has more than 1,000 unique shops and stalls selling clothes, music, arts and crafts and street food.  
• For some of the best views in London stroll to Primrose Hill, a pretty neighbourhood with a village feel, famed for its grassy hill and celebrity residents.  
• Colombia Road Flower Market: Worth a visit for the spectacle alone, this weekly flower market is an East End favourite, packed with traders selling cut flowers, shrubs, herbs and houseplants.  
• Head to nearby Shoreditch, known for its creativity and colourful street art. Grab a drink in one of the area’s many bars or walk down Brick Lane for a spot of vintage shopping and some of the best curry in London. 

Student life in London doesn’t have to be expensive. If you know where to look, London offers a wealth of free and affordable activities for the modest budget, no matter what your interest. 

• Museums and galleries: If it’s art or culture you’re after, you’re in luck. Most of London’s best museums and galleries are free to enter, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Tate Modern, Imperial War Museum, the National Gallery and the British Museum. 
• Parks and green spaces: London boasts around 3,000 parks and green spaces, perfect for getting outdoors for exercise or a picnic with friends. Relax under the trees of Regent’s Park, brave a swim in Hyde Park’s Serpentine or enjoy the wild nature of Hampstead Heath.  
• Cheap events: Live entertainment doesn’t have to cost the earth. Neighbourhood pubs and venues often host free and budget-friendly comedy and music gigs. While many theatres offer affordable last minute tickets to shows. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre sells standing tickets for as little as £5.  
• Eating and drinking: Look out for pubs and cafés offering student discounts and deals. Many chains like Nando’s, Pizza Express and Wagamama give money off with a valid student card. Find the latest student deals. 

To truly feel like a local – and avoid annoying your fellow Londoners – you need a good understanding of the city’s unwritten rules.

• Queuing: British people love to queue – for the bus, the cinema, even the toilet. Anyone cutting in line will almost certainly feel the wrath of those around them. 
• Buying a round: When having a drink at the pub, it’s common to buy a round for a group of people rather than just getting your own. If someone buys you a drink it’s considered rude not to reciprocate. And while table service is becoming more common, you’ll usually need to stand at the bar and wait your turn to order. 
• Public transport: Never block an escalator; stand on the right, walk on the left. And always let people off the tube or train before boarding.  
• Be mindful of others: Life in London is fast-paced so dawdling on a busy street or blocking an entrance will prompt frustrated sighs from commuters. Londoners also value their personal space, even on a packed tube train. Avoid unnecessary physical contact or standing too close where possible. 

Getting involved in local clubs and groups is a great way to meet likeminded people in your community, while doing something you love. 

• TEG Club: This free-to-join student community is designed to connect UWS London students with a range of social events, sports clubs, cultural experiences and professional development workshops. Join today.
• Volunteering: Give something back and learn new skills by volunteering for local charities and initiatives, such as community kitchens and food banks. Find an opportunity.
• Focus on fitness: Join a gym or running club to look after your physical and mental health. Parkrun’s weekly free 5km community events are a great way to stay fit while making friends.

Living like a local in London is about more than saving money – it’s about experiencing everything the city has to offer. By mastering the tube, exploring local neighbourhoods and embracing London’s customs, you can truly immerse yourself in London student life and make the city your home.