What is student life really like in London?

Hi everyone!
I’m Saira, a second-year Computer Science student at The University of Staffordshire London. I thought I’d give you an insight into what life’s actually like as a student here, especially if you’re considering studying in London.

Whether you’re thinking about applying, have already firmed your offer, or just want to know what to expect, I hope this gives you a clearer idea!

My Transition to University
I’ve grown up in London, so I didn’t move cities for university – but honestly starting uni still felt like a big change; especially as I came from quite a competitive and rigorous Sixth Form. The environment at Staffs London is a lot more relaxed and collaborative, which was a nice change from the experience I had at A-Levels.

Campus Life at Staffs London
Even though our campus is smaller than most traditional campuses, there’s always something going on. The Students’ Union and student-led societies host lots of events like game tournaments, movie watch parties, cultural meetups (open to everyone), recently we had the Robotics Society host a cardboard race car competition. These events make it really easy to get to know people and feel like part of a community, especially if you’re a bit shy at first; like myself.

There’s a great mix of interests here, particularly in creative and tech areas, making it easy to connect with others who like the same things as you – so making friends is no problem!

Cost of Living and Saving Money
Complete transparency – London isn’t cheap, but there’s lots of ways students manage their budgets and still make the most of everything the city has to offer. The exact costs of course vary from person to person depending on which student accommodation you’ve chosen and your own spending habits when it comes to travel and groceries etc. So I thought it would be more helpful to share some general money-saving tips that really make a difference:

Travel smart: It’s tempting to tap in with contactless/ApplePay or similar, to pay as you go on travel but if you get an 18+ Student Oyster Card you can save 30% on adult-rate travelcards and you can save more if you link a 16- 25 or 26-30 rail card to it as well. Walking and cycling can also save you a lot if you’re close enough to campus and that’s your kind of thing!

Utilise student discounts: Definitely sign up to apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans to get discounts on food, clothes and tech; especially keep an eye out during ‘back to school’ season as that’s when a lot of offers start popping up. Apple for instance offer a discount on selected devices through UNiDAYS around that time.

Try food-saving apps: Too Good To Go and OLIO are great for grabbing heavily discounted or free food from local cafes and shops; it also prevents food waste which is an added bonus!

Make the most of free events: Museums, galleries, markets are all affordable ways to explore the city and with plenty of free exhibitions, talks, and pop-ups, there’s always something to do without spending loads.

Things to do in London
One of the best things about studying in London is that you never run out of things to do – even on a student budget. Here’s a few ideas below which I think can really give you a feel for the city

- Wander around South Bank, Brick Lane or Camden Market

- Visit museums and galleries like the Tate Modern, V&A, Science Museum and National History Museum (they’re all free!)

- Picnics or walks in parks like Hyde Park, Victoria Park, or Greenwich

- Cheap eats in places like Chinatown or food trucks at Spitalfields/BoxPark

Final Thoughts
So far, studying at Staffs London has been such a good experience! It’s a great balance between familiarity and new experiences- as someone who’s lived in London my whole life. I feel like I’m seeing the city through a new lens, meeting people I wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise, and still discovering new places and opportunities all the time. If you’ve got any questions about student life in London or at Staffs specifically, feel free to drop them below - I’d be happy to help! And if you’re currently sitting exams, best of luck; you’ve got this!