Experience in London, United Kingdom by Annie

What is it like to live in London? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

London is a great city. It is very multicultural with plenty to do. There are some great hidden gems in this metropolis and has lots of big parks so you don't feel too disconnected from nature. London is definitely a difficult city at times though and sometimes can be quite overwhelming - it really is the city you will either flourish or fail.

What is the student lifestyle like in London?

As a student is your cheapest way to live in London. There is a strong student atmosphere in London with plenty of competition between rival Universities. This makes for great banter and a lot of enjoyable student competitions. The night life for students is great. Cheap and cheerful is the ethos and it lives up to expectations. I've had some of my craziest nights out as a student in London.

How much does it cost to live in London?

LONDON IS EXPENSIVE! Do not move to London with £1000 and expect to last more than a month. Rent will be your biggest cost as in London you pay more for location rather than quality of living. Transport is your second biggest - I would recommend getting a bike as this is your cheapest and fastest way to move through the city. Be careful about buses though - they don't watch out for cyclists so wear something bright and make yourself seen. There are lots of free things to do in London though and a wide range of exhibitions, parties and parks to take advantage of. If you have a budget make sure you stick to it because it's very easy to walk out of your house and end up spending £50 with nothing to show for it.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in London? Is there any advice you can give?

It is so easy to find accommodation in London. The best place is gumtree (where I have found all of my flats for the last 8 years). I would recommend living with strangers as it really broadens your horizons and you end up associating with people you might not necessarily thought you had anything in common with. I've made some of my best friends through flat shares in London! You may try to go for location but expect prices to soar the closer to the centre you go, sometimes a little further out, even just half a mile, can save you a lot of money. Make sure you ask about bills included and furnishings before you move. ESTATE AGENTS ARE A NIGHTMARE! I have not had one good estate agent since I moved so if you can try t rent from the landlord directly - it will save you money as well.

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What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

London has food from all over the world so no matter what craving you have you will be able to find a 24hr shop somewhere that will meet you needs. The best places for food are the markets. From fish mongers at the docks on a Saturday morning to Bricklane food market on a Sunday with an array of colours and smells there is truly something for everyone when it comes to food.

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What places would you recommend visiting in London?

There are always the standard tourist attractions but some of the best places in London are out of the main hustle and bustle of the city. Visit ALL of the parks - even the little ones have some really amazing plants or features that can really surprise and amaze you. "The Bridge" on Kingsland road is a lovely little coffee shop, Columbia road flower market, Outdoor cinema at Somerset House, Outdoor Iceskating, Lido's at Hyde Park, Secret garden party. To be honest you can't really go wrong in London, even walking around the streets you will find lots of places off the beaten track and artwork on walls.

Is it good to eat out in London? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Eating out is expensive. You can expect on average for one person in a reasonable restaurant to spend upwards of £45 for a meal. My advice would to be eat in the markets - food is good and cheap or buy a portable bbq (available from most supermarkets)and have an impromptu party in the park with your mates.

Is the nightlife good in London? Where is good to go?

London is the city that never sleeps - no matter what time you decide to go out you will always find somewhere open and people ready to party with you. There are so many after party's and a very inclusive feel from the city so even if you don't know anyone you will inevitably end up in a house party miles away from where you live knowing no one but having the best time of your life. Most student nights are held around Soho but for a more chilled and eclectic vibe I would head East to Shoreditch or Old street. There are plenty of speak easy bars, 40's/50's bars, banging house and techno clubs and the ultimate pop sensations. My biggest advice would be use the opportunity presented in London to explore artists and bands you don't know. There are so many live gigs and this is where a lot of the greats start out so go to as many gigs as you can so you can one day say - "I saw them before they were famous"

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What advice would you give future students heading to London?

The best advice I could give about London is go with an open mind. You will see, hear and smell things you've never imagined before, have some of the best times of you life as well as the worst. You will come from London with a connection to nearly every other part of the world through the people you meet and experience things you never thought you would. You can be as anonymous as you want or part of a huge movement. Get the city before it gets you and be strong!