My top 5 reasons to study in London
Melis is a Project Access team member from Finland. She studies International Relations as a 1st-year student at KCL.
London is often referred to as one of the best cities to study in the world - if not the best. The opportunities are endless! Whatever you need is rarely far from your own doorstep and the diverse community of people from across the globe means you will always find something you like.
But let’s face it - London is expensive! As a student, not all opportunities that London has to offer are available to you (like those top notch restaurants that you just simply can’t afford, but drool over on instagram). Also, the city is huge! When I first arrived, I found it surprisingly difficult to adjust to the constant crowds and often felt very small amidst it all. Some of these downsides make one question themself: “Is it really worth the move?”
Well, let me tell you from experience, YES IT IS! Here are my top 5 reasons to study in London:
1. The overall atmosphere and diversity of the city
London is bustling. Something is always happening somewhere, and there’s always something to do. The people, who I admit often keep to their busy selves, honestly are great. You see the diversity of Londoners everywhere you go. I don’t think I’ve ever been in another place in the world where you can find as many people from various different backgrounds. This is an enriching experience; not only is it highly likely that you will make friends from all over the world, but you will also learn so much from everything and everyone around you. This, at least for me, has also been an inspiring experience, which has supported my studies and helped me further clarify what I want to do in the future.
2. The academic/learning opportunities
Most institutions in London work under the University of London. These institutions include LSE, KCL, UCL and SOAS, just to name a few. Therefore, these institutions tend to cooperate with each other, and often academic events hosted by one of them are open to all. This allows students to have a wide selection of lectures, seminars, conventions, conferences and book launches to attend. Many of these events have amazing speakers, such as ambassadors, respected scholars, successful journalists and even prime ministers at times. These events are mostly free of charge and might even include a light meal (leaving you with a couple of extra pounds to buy that ticket for a show you’ve been dying to see). One of the highlights of my year was hearing from award-winning author and journalist Janine di Giovanni at a conference called ‘Conflict Reporting in the 21st Century’ hosted by Birkbeck College. Being a student of UoL also benefits you in your everyday-studies. You get access to all libraries at all institutions, which means there’s one near you no matter where you go for your study break with friends!
3. You receive an amazing opportunity to gain independence
One of the negatives I most commonly hear about studying in London is that the university experience is not campus-based, meaning that there are multiple campuses and accomodations spread around the city. Therefore, many believe that it is harder to make friends or find your place just because of the amount of directions you can choose from. Sure, to some extent I agree with this argument, but when you flip the coin you truly realize what you gain. In London, you must learn to adapt quickly. How do I navigate around the city? How do I choose where to live? Where are the best places to meet new people? Out of all the gazillion opportunities, which ones do I grab? Where do I find the cheapest groceries? All these questions sound daunting at first, but by finding the answers to them (trust me, you will!) you gain confidence and problem-solving skills which help you become more independent. These skills are also transferable into future work-life. And remember, you are not alone! When you reach out, people will help you. You are not the only one in that situation! Solving problems together with your new friends will also deepen your relationship with them.
4. ALL THE STUDENT DISCOUNTS
London is the cornucopia of student discounts. The city that at first seemed so expensive turns out to be quite alright! I personally use sites such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans to find various discounts for everything from clothing and beauty products to electronics and food. If you are a theatre-geek like me, remember to check out TodayTix and grab those last-minute tickets to Wicked on the West End. (My friend got front row for 25 quid!) Major football clubs also come out with student-priced tickets at times. Multiple food-chains, restaurants and coffee shops might make your lunch even cheaper than it would be at your school cafeteria. Once a burger-joint down the street from my campus offered 50% off all meals! Museums and art galleries also have student tickets, and most of them might even be completely free. Most major attractions and sights, such as the London Eye and Westminster Abbey will also grant you a discount. Some universities also provide completely free tours in the first few weeks to help you get to know your new home as well as possible. So feel free to explore all the amazing things London has to offer - on a budget!
5. You can do pretty much anything YOU want
Want to go to a club that has a huge adult-only ball pit? Sure. Want to sail along the Thames on a boat that doubles as a hot tub? OK. Want to have a sleepover with lions at London Zoo? Why not? Want to attend a festival themed around jazz and beer, completely nude? You do you mate! By now, I think you get the point. In London, there is something for everyone. Anything you want to do, you’ve pretty much got it! And even for the 0.001% of people who find nothing to keep themselves entertained with in London, there are really cheap flights to pretty much anywhere in Europe. (My friend went to Milan and back for £20!!!) London is what YOU make of it. In the beginning it might take some time and effort to make it work for you, but in the end, if you grab the bull by the horns and take the leap, you will gain an amazing few years with amazing people filled with amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you couldn’t even imagine before moving. Stop hesitating and apply to your dream university in London. It will always be worth your while.
Want to apply, but don’t know where to start?
Don’t worry, Project Access Finland has got your back! We are organizing our first ever University Bootcamp 4.-5.9.2020 at the Hannes Snellman offices in Helsinki. We will help you kickstart your application process for 2021 entry and connect you with current Finnish students attending our top-notch partner universities.