London, the capital city of the UK is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. It is full of history, culture and celebrates a long tradition of academic excellence. London is high on the list of university destinations for many international students as home to world recognised institutions such as UCL, Kings College and Imperial.
But living within a major international city is not without its challenges. In this blog, we look at the pros and cons of Universities in London so you can work out if it is right choice for you.
The Pros
You’ll be living in London!
London is without doubt one of the greatest cities in the world. There is always something exciting happening and there is no excuse to ever be bored. Whether you are looking for great food, museums and galleries, historical sites or diverse entertainment and nightlife… you will certainly have all of these on your doorstep. But be careful, as these can always easily become a distraction from your studies!
Excellent academic reputation
Universities in London have a superb academic reputation and, after Oxford and Cambridge, London is the next top choice for many prospective students. Of the 24 Russell Group universities, 5 are based within London. Plus, with the federal teaching opportunities through the wider University of London your study opportunities are diverse and varied.
It is also as great place to network and build up your contacts. London is a working city so there are many opportunities to gain valuable work experience, and graduates from London universities have excellent job prospects and high graduate employability.
Very diverse city
London is a city that attracts all kinds of people. It is a great opportunity to meet and connect with people from multiple cultures from all over the globe as it is such a popular destination for international students. Plus, because you’ll be in the ‘real world’ rather than campus ‘bubble’ you’ll mix and engage with all kinds of people, not just students.
The Cons
It’s very expensive
You’ll find you pay more for everything in London, from fees to rent to food to entertainment… When considering universities in London you will need to think about your living costs and how they stack up. For example, you may end up paying the same as your friend in Manchester but living in worse housing.
It can be overwhelming
The sheer size and pace of London can be hectic and stressful, especially when travelling from place to place. If you’re not used to this, it can be overwhelming. Many students also report that there can be a lack of community when studying in London. It is certainly not a dedicated student city so you will have less of a traditional student experience.
They are competitive
Unsurprisingly due to their popularity, getting into universities in London is fiercely competitive. They usually ask for the top grades and many don’t interview, so your application will be based entirely on your expected grades and personal statement.
