My Experience in London, United Kingdom - by Andrea

Why did you choose to go to London, United Kingdom?

Because UCL had exactly the postgraduate programme that I wanted to do (no, I'm not an Erasmus student).

How long did your exchange last? How much were paid?

The programme lasts for a year and my enrolment fee was paid for, that is to say, £8, 500.

What's the student atmosphere like in London?

It's great. It depends on how much you want to participate in it.

Would you recommend the city and University of London to other students?

It depends on what you like. I wanted to quit my course and go back to Berlin, which I never should have left, but there are people who love this city. I just wasn't one of them.

What's English food like?

It depends on how much money you have to spend on food. There's all different kinds of food available, and good food too, but if you're on an Erasmus exchange it's likely that you won't spend your money on eating out.

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in London?

The housing market is very fast-paced. If you're not keen on paying a small fortune for a humid hovel in a horrible area, you'll probably need a while to find something suitable. The best thing to do is to pal up with other people who are also looking to rent and share a flat between you, like I did. It took us two weeks to find the house, and we loved it. So, our accommodation hunt story ended happily, but it's certainly not easy.

How expensive is living in London?

I actually read the other day that London is the most expensive city to live in in the world right now (even before Tokyo), so that really says it all.

I paid £460 a month for my room in Camden. I chose the area since it was close to the university - yes, it would have been cheaper to live further away, but from my house I could bike to university and save spending money on public transport.

If you're not lucky enough to have a bike, get ready to pay a small fortune for the public transport. I think a monthly student Oyster card costs around £90.

Eating out is of course very expensive, and the cost of going out partying depends on what you're into... I never spend less than £50-60 every time I went out though.

Without a decent amount of money, you won't be able to enjoy even 30% of what the city has to offer.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language class at the university?

I found the language fine. I already spoke English before I came here.

What's the cheapest way of getting to London from your home city?

Ryanair.

What are the best places for partying in London?

There are loads of pubs with live music. I don't know which ones I should single out.

For drinks and rock music, try Slim Jimms Liquor Store.

For raves, the best thing to do is to get in contact with people who organise illegal raves in Hackney (there are lots of them). If not, London hosts some of the best DJs in the world and there are quite a few clubs. My favourite is the Egg (which is also only ten minutes away from my house).

What about eating out in London? What are your favourite places?

Any of the Sunday markets.

What does London have to offer in terms of culture?

My favourite museum is the Tate Modern. The best thing about London is definitely its museums.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to London?

Come with savings and you'll enjoy everything a lot more.