Experience in London, United Kingdom by Zeinab

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

Depending on where you are staying, London can be quite a pricey place to live. However, it is a very beautiful city, very multicultural. There are so many different people living in London, different cultures, which also means there are many different cuisines around. The many places I have been to, I have found it easy to go around London. Travelling is not that expensive, the bus can take you to many places, and is quite cheap one bus will cost £1.50 for a whole journey no matter how many stops and if you get another bus within sixty minutes of the first the second one will be free. Also known as the hopper fare, introduced by Sadiq Khan, the current Mayor of London. People here are very nice, not all of course, but a majority.

What is the student lifestyle like in London?

I have been a student here since nursery and have graduated from Middlesex University. There are so many opportunities for students here, there is always something new. there are graduate fairs that help you look for jobs, there are parties organised by unis and also students that you can go to, It is really easy to meet and get to know new people, you can be shy :-) but also just say Hi, if you can, people are very nice. You may find them to be reserved or rude but really they are not, sometimes their personality may just make them seem that way :-p. There are also plenty of clubs you can find that fits you, so you have an outlet for all the work you have to do. There are soo many discounts for students, one of my favourite apps is 'UniDays' which you should totally check out if you're going to stay in London as a student. Also, most places have everything nearby, shops, transport and restaurants so depending on where you stay you will not have to worry too much about things being too far. Most if the places I have been to have always had everything nearby.

How much does it cost to live in London?

I am a live at home student so I cannot so much on the housing costs. However, in terms of travel and food, its not that expensive. Clothing is also not that expensive, especially with all the student discounts.

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

I love all my food, you may find some restaurants to have better quality food price isnt the factor, some expensive places the food is not that good. I love spanish soup, rice and curry. In london you will find that some places are dominated with one kind of food, not always though. For example at angel station in north london it is dominated with somalian culture and somalian food and finchley is dominated with jewish culture and jewish food. But there are some great places.

What places would you recommend visiting in London?

The most cliche place, central london, it is a very touristical place. Westfield in White city is also nice, found a shop that sells only american sweets which I love. Thorpe park :P awesome theme park. Anywhere you go you will find something cool. White chapel is also nice, its very cultural.

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

Yes, there are a lot of restaurants that serve all kinds of food. Universities usually have quite a few restaurants inside like mine, but there are also so many restaurants nearby. I love Nandos as all londoners do and also recently found out about the Gourmet burger kitchen which have amaaazing burgers and milkshakes. Afters and cremes are great desert places. Cremes kind of has a club atmosphere.

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

Im more of a morning person :-p I like to sleep at night haha

What advice would you give future students heading to London?

University: Make the most of your time at uni, but also balance studying and having fun. Some people take one or other too far and regret it later. So to have the best time at uni have fun but also don't neglect your studies. Tutors are there to help use them as much as you can and if you feel that they don't like you talk to another professor that you're more comfortable with to make sure you get the best possible grade.

In general: Don't be too trusting but also dont be afraid to approach people and start a conversation there are some great people in London. Have fun, explore, go everywhereee and EnJoY :-)