Several students travel to the United Kingdom for educational purposes. The number of students visiting the UK increases every year, especially due to the multiple scholarships available.
As stated by the official website of the UK Government, 432,225 students were allocated sponsored visas worldwide. These sponsorships make the UK an attractive place for students to pursue their dream degrees.
With the increasing number of students getting admission to UK institutes, the challenges of surviving there also rise. To help students visiting London for the first time, The Academic Papers UK has created a helpful list of travel tips. This guide will help them explore the city without overspending.
Best Tips for Students Visiting London for the First Time
Travelling to London for the first time as a student? This can be an amazing experience, providing an opportunity to enrol in top-notch institutes, learn from world-class professors and immerse yourself in brimming cultural diversity to get the most out of your time.
However, to make your navigation through the city easier, we have compiled this article with London travel tips for first-timers. So, without waiting any further, let’s begin the journey.
1. Ask for Student Discounts Everywhere
The United Kingdom can be an expensive country to navigate through daily routines, especially in London. However, there are several student discounts offered at different places. You can ask for student discounts anywhere you think there is a chance of saving some money; that’s a normal thing there.
Several designated apps are available for student discounts. You can download them and keep looking for special discounts. Special travel cards are also available, which can help you save up to 40% of your travel expenses.
2. Avoid Last-Minute House Hunting
Finding suitable and affordable accommodation in the UK is very challenging, so you should start looking for accommodation when you are planning your trip. Even if you start early, it can still be a heck of a challenge. There are loads of things you need to consider while choosing suitable accommodation, such as upfront rents, guarantors, and council tax exceptions.
So, it is a good idea to consult local student accommodation providers to help you or ask for assistance from some friends or relatives there. As per a report by the Guardian, 23% of private renters are always overburdened by housing costs. Which shows the level of difficulty in finding a home? So, you should also avoid last-minute house hunting.
3. Plan Your Day in Advance
Matching your schedules with the Tube can be tricky, especially when you are new to the city. This might seem like an adult sort of thing and quite boring for youngsters, too, but believe us, it’s worth planning your day. Deciding on things like where you will go, how you will reach there, and how you can save money on travel and food. Believe us, in a city like London, planning your things can save your day.
Especially when travel is involved, you would like to reach your destination in time in an affordable way, instead of waiting for the Tube, sitting at the station. Because getting along with the tube can be very tricky, of course, you don’t have to go the wrong way or spend too much time on the tube, where you can save a fortune. Downloading the Tube Map can get you information about accurate routes, status, and departure information.
4. Prepare for British Weather
With the most unpredictable weather conditions, the UK has always been under discussion, and the Brits are also seen talking often about the weather conditions. This unpredictability is also because this is an island, considering its location. So, it is quite chilly in the winter, so you need a proper dress coat. On the other hand, summer is a week of hot sunny days, so you should pack your stuff accordingly.
One thing to remember is that rain is a permanent guest of London. Whether it is winter or summer, it can come at any time of the year. You need to be prepared by keeping an umbrella and a good raincoat always with you.
5. Santander Cycles
Hopping on a Santander cycle can be a cheap option and can get you a tour of the stunning London streets for just £2. If you love to cycle, this is your chance to enjoy the amazing London Street views and make the best of your tour. The good news is that you get half an hour of free ride each time you pop onto a bike.
If you have your own bike, you can make good use of it without having to pay the £2 rent. It’s often recommended that you walk more to please your eyes with scenic views. To book these rides, you can download the Santander Cycles app or visit a physical docking station terminal with your bank card and just tap to get started.
6. Keep a Mapper App
London has been the biggest tourist spot for students, but it is always crowded and a waste city with diverse locations to visit. When visiting for tourism purposes, you might face difficulties navigating through the city, especially when coming back to your place of residence. Times have changed; now, you don’t have to stick your nose to understand those colour codes. Imagine sitting on the Tube platform and searching for the right exit through that tiny map and watching those crowds move swiftly.
Downloading a mapper app can ease your navigation through the city, Tube stations, and routes to your home. London traffic is not everyone’s cup of tea, so you will need a proper mapper app that can give you real-time information about routes with less traffic. You can also look for bike docks, their availability, and their cheap alternatives.
7. Keep Your Wits About You
No matter how safe a city is usually considered, you need to keep a dash of common sense to stay safe, especially when you are travelling for the first time. While travelling, choose the safer routes, especially in the dark. Keep an eye on your surroundings and pay close attention to anything unusual happening out there. Avoid walking in the dark and lonely streets. If not, you might be pickpocketed or experience the loss of goods.
To avoid these types of mishaps, you should keep your belongings safe and close to your body, especially when you are on the tube or in crowded areas. You should also stay vigilant of distraction tactics such as fake tourist surveys or commotions all of a sudden. The common best practice is to move around in groups and avoid walking on empty and dark streets.
As a student, your primary focus should be on your studies and achieving high grades. Embrace the resources available to you that can enhance your learning experience. By connecting with the best-rated coursework companies in the UK, you can ensure the quality and credibility of your assignments. Remember, investing in your education is a positive step toward realising your goals. So, make the most of your time there by prioritising your academic success and exploring all the supportive options at your disposal.
8. Look out for Nightlife Deals
The restaurants in the UK can be heavier on your pockets and can make you feel vulnerable seeing those hefty bills for a few drinks. With unlimited bars, restaurants, and nightclubs out there, London has great nightlife but is notoriously expensive. However, you should look for nightlife deals and happy hour deals to save on dining and drinks expenses.
If you are already planning to gather some friends around and head out for some drinks, you should plan your night out ahead. You can also acquire discount coupons from Groupon, LivingSocial, and other websites or consider getting a taste card. This way, you will be able to save a considerable amount as compared to entering a club at night.
Conclusion
To sum up the discussion, student life in the UK has been full of challenges and requires a dash of common sense to survive. It might become easier at some point, but for freshers visiting there, you should be ready to incorporate all of your money management and planning skills. In this article, we have covered the top 8 London travel tips for first-timers. These tips will help you save money and time and stay secure while in London. Although there are no security issues in the UK, prevention is better than cure. We hope you will find this article helpful for your survival in the UK.
