My favourite city London, United Kingdom by Melanie

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

Born and raised in London I am still obsessed with this place, I do see it as my home for a very very long time. I definitely recommend it. It is a buzzing multicultural place so you must like to live in the city with lots of people, it is a beautiful city with so much to do. There's various shopping centres, cinemas with great technology such as 4D (awesome experience), various museums (the war museum is my favourite), activities such as crazy golf, lots of bars - Shore Ditch is a great place to have a nice night with friends as it has lots of fun bars and some clubs. Also theme parks such as Winter Wonderland near Christmas time and Thorpe park. London also has lots of festivals during Summer such as Wireless and Lovebox.

What is the student lifestyle like in London?

The student lifestyle here has it perks, you have a lot of discounts in clothing stores, cinema, certain restaurants and activities with uni days (an app where you put your universities email). As a city with more than 2 universities there are lots of students, the universities all provide great facilities and things to help you with your studies.

How much does it cost to live in London?

London is very expensive, it is the downside to living here. You have to know how to spend your money. Rent will take most of it, the housing prices are crazy high.

Food is not cheap but it isn't expensive either, you just have to know where to buy. For example supermarkets such as Lidl, Iceland, Tesco and Asda are cheaper than higher end supermarkets like Marks and Spencers or Waitrose. Certain foods are also cheaper in certain supermarkets, for example I buy snacks in Iceland because the same one is cheaper there than in Tesco.

Transport will also take a large amount of your money. The price increases a little every year which is frustrating. However the transport system is great, there are buses going to every inch of London, same with the train/subway which is quick. The cheapest way to travel is by bus (£1. 50) - if you get on 2 buses within one hour you only pay for one. I am very happy that they developed this because it saves a lot of money.

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

I live at home so I’m not an expert on finding accommodation here but I do know there are many many places to live. There are students always looking for roommates/flat share due to the high prices of living. Make sure to check university pages and Facebook pages where students advertise.

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

I love the food here, there are restaurants from all around the world. I love a good old burger, I recommend Shake Shack, the Biker Shed and Five Guys for it. London is also famous for its Indian food, if you go to Brick Lane there are Indian restaurants everywhere and they are all great, my favourite dish is the chicken Byriani. London is also famous for the little chicken shops in most areas that you can get lots of wings for £ 1 and chips and sorts. Great to eat when you have no food at home for cheap or when you get hungry at midnight.

What places would you recommend visiting in London?

I recommend going sight seeing to the obvious tourist places like Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly etc. It is such a beautiful city! I recommend shopping here too. There are lots of shopping centres and big ones just outside London like Lakeside and Blue Water. There are also many activities like fun fairs, arcades, great cinemas, golf and escape rooms which are so fun to do with a group of friends as something different.

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

Food is great here because it’s a multicultural city and you can food from so many countries. I love Shake Shack burgers and their amazing lemonade. My favourite restaurant is also Wahaca- a Mexican place which does this taco salad bowl where you can eat the bowl after and it is so tasty!

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

I am not a particular party person myself but London nightlife is always going. There are so many clubs and bars here so you can have a good time and the city is still alive at 1 a. m. It is also a bonus that on the weekend trains are all night so you can have fun and get home safely. There are also various night buses.

What advice would you give future students heading to London?

If you’re coming to London have a budget or whatever you need because it is unfortunately a very expensive city but I wouldn’t trade it for another. Expect to meet amazing people from all around the world and enjoy new experiences. I was born here and there’s still so much places I haven’t been or things I’ve done because London is always coming up with new things to do. You will love it.