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London Life
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London is a diverse, multicultural city with all the attractions of a major capital. It has many fine museums and galleries and rivals any city in the world for theatre and concerts. London has style and sets the trend – in music, in fashion, in food. It is an exciting place to live and safer than many capital cities.
Student Life
Your free International Student Identity Card is a passport to countless discounts on entry to cultural and sporting events, entertainments, eating out and other services. London’s attractions are easily accessible to students and you can enjoy life here without having to spend a lot of money. Applications and further information are available from www.isiccard.com
Getting Around
You will find an A-Z of London street map useful, available from most bookshops or newsagents. Driving in London is difficult, with frequent traffic jams and few parking spaces. The best way to get around is by public transport. Rail services and underground services are fast and frequent – and the maps and travel directions are clear. Buses are good for short journeys.
Underground and bus route maps are available from London Transport (LT) information centers at Euston, Heathrow, Kings Cross, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, St James 's Park and Victoria underground stations.
UK students qualify for transport discounts – you will receive an application as a part of your ‘Welcome Pack’.
Theatre, Concerts and Exhibitions
London has been called the cultural capital of the world and supports an impressive variety of artistic activities.
Most national newspapers have good listings guides detailing events and activities, as does the Evening Standard. Weekly magazines like Time Out are also good sources of information.
The Society of West End Theatres (SWET) operates a half-price ticket booth at Leicester Square which sells tickets for same-day performances at reduced rates. It opens at midday for matinees and 2.30pm for evening performances.
Eating Out
You can eat out in style in London – almost any style you please. Prices vary enormously. By law, all restaurants must display a menu outside the door giving prices and whether service charges are included. Where service is not included, it is customary to leave a tip of 10 to 15% of the bill.
Climate
London’s average monthly rainfall remains much the same throughout the year. July and August are the warmest months. Rain is less likely in spring, but be prepared for a shower at any time of the year. The temperature varies from 22°C in summer to 5°C in winter. Occasionally the temperature may drop below freezing in winter months.
Expenses
Average costs vary according to where you live in or around London. Below is a rough guide to basic living costs (accommodation, lighting, heating, food, daily travel, clothing, leisure, books and incidental expenses) for a single student based on The British Council’s recommendations:
Average annual cost of living for a typical student 2005/2006 in London (UK)
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Academic year - £7,300
- Monthly - £811
Sightseeing
There are hundreds of places to visit in London! The great selection of museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Tower of London, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum), churches (St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Westminster Cathedral), parks and gardens (Kensington Gardens, Holland Park, Kew Gardens, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park) will keep you busy for many weeks.
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