Should you study in London? Pros, cons, and alternatives for international students
When it comes to studying abroad, few cities are as iconic or attractive as London. It’s a global powerhouse for business, finance, culture, and — of course — education. Each year, thousands of international students choose London as their study destination.
But is studying in London the right choice for you? Like any major decision, it comes with both advantages and challenges. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons — and explore some smart alternatives you might not have considered.
✅ The pros: Why international students choose London
1. World-class universities
London is home to some of the most prestigious and globally respected universities on the planet, attracting students, academics, and researchers from every corner of the world. Institutions like University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and King’s College London (KCL) consistently rank among the top 100 universities worldwide, and are renowned not only for the quality of their teaching but also for their pioneering research and international outlook.
These universities sit at the heart of a global knowledge network, forging connections with leading employers, policy-makers, and industries. Whether you're pursuing engineering, social sciences, business, or biomedical research, studying at one of London’s universities offers students access to world-class facilities, expert faculty, and cutting-edge discoveries that are actively shaping the future.
Beyond academics, these institutions offer a global alumni network that can open doors to careers across continents. Employers everywhere recognise the prestige of a London university on your CV, and the experience of studying in such a diverse, dynamic environment helps graduates develop both academic expertise and the adaptability to thrive in international workplaces.
2. Career opportunities on your doorstep
Whether you're studying business, tech, creative arts, or law, London offers unrivalled access to internships and part-time jobs with global companies like Google, Barclays, Bloomberg, BBC, and Amazon. For graduates, the city’s employers are ready to recruit — making it one of the best places to kickstart an international career. Read our Complete Guide to the Post Study Work Visa 2025 to learn more about working in the UK after your studies.
3. A city that never sleeps
London isn’t just about lectures and textbooks. Students have the world at their feet — museums, galleries, street food markets, West End theatre, and one of the most diverse social scenes anywhere on earth.
4. A Global, welcoming community
In London, you’ll meet people from every corner of the world. It’s a melting pot of languages, food, traditions, and ideas. If you're moving abroad for the first time, London offers instant community — whatever your background.
⚠️ The cons: Why London might not be right for everyone
1. The cost of living
There’s no way around it: London is expensive.
Student accommodation can cost between £200–£400 per week — significantly higher than in most other UK cities.
Public transport, groceries, social life, and even coffee breaks all come with London price tags.
While student discounts and scholarships can help, London requires careful budgeting, and many students underestimate just how much they’ll spend once they arrive.
2. Space and campus life
Many London universities don’t have the traditional “campus” experience. If you imagined rolling green quads and student halls on site, London can feel very different.
In central London, students often live scattered across the city, and it’s not unusual for accommodation to be 30–60 minutes from your classes.
3. Fast-paced, high-pressure environment
While the energy of London is exciting, it can also be overwhelming — especially if you're used to smaller cities or a quieter pace of life. The scale, cost, and competition can create pressure, especially for international students adjusting to new surroundings.
🏢 What about non-London universities with London hubs?
In recent years, several UK universities based outside London have opened London “campuses” or hubs where fees may be less than at traditional London universities. Often these are office-style buildings offering a handful of courses, mainly aimed at international students.
But before you apply, it’s worth knowing:
🏡 No student accommodation: Unlike a main university campus, London outposts rarely offer dedicated halls or student residences.
🧑🤝🧑 Limited campus community: Often, you’re part of a much smaller cohort, without access to the full range of clubs, societies, or the social life that makes university special.
🏫 Reduced facilities: Libraries, labs, student unions, and sports clubs may be limited or completely absent.
⏳ Long-term uncertainty: Some London hubs have been closed or scaled back after a few years, making future-proofing your degree harder.
For international students, these “satellite” campuses can sometimes feel isolating — especially if you were expecting a traditional UK university experience.
🏡 Another alternative: Studying near London
If you want the best of both worlds — easy access to London and a more affordable, supportive student lifestyle — you could consider universities located within an hour of central London.
Universities like:
University of Reading — 25 minutes by train
University of Hertfordshire — 25 minutes by train
University of Surrey (Guildford) — 40 minutes by train
Royal Holloway, University of London — 35 minutes by train
University of Kent (Canterbury) — 55 minutes by train
These universities offer:
✅ Traditional campus life, with dedicated student accommodation
✅ Lower living costs compared to central London
✅ Quick, affordable train connections to London for work, networking, and weekends
✅ A better balance between study and social life.
For many international students, this can be the sweet spot — especially if budget and campus community are high on your priority list.
💡 Conclusion: London isn’t your only option
London is a world-leading destination for international students, offering prestige, culture, and career opportunity. But it’s also one of the most expensive, fast-paced, and — for some — challenging places to start life abroad.
Choosing a university in or around London comes down to what matters most to you:
🏙️ Big city life with global connections? London might be the perfect fit.
🏡 Community, affordability, and space to settle in? A surrounding university could offer the best of both worlds.
Looking for scholarships to help fund your studies in London — or beyond? Search the latest opportunities using our Scholarship Finder today.
Need more help deciding on your next step?
Read our guide: How to Choose the Right UK Masters Course, start your UK scholarship search or see our updated list of fully funded Masters scholarships for international students in September 2025.