With a population of just under eight million, London is Europe's largest city, spreading across an area of more than 620 square miles from its core on the River Thames. Ethnically it's also Europe's most diverse metropolis: around two hundred languages are spoken within its confines, and more than thirty percent of the population is made up of first, second- and third-generation immigrants. Despite Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish devolution, London still dominates the national horizon. Londoners' sense of superiority causes enormous resentment in the regions, yet it's undeniable that the capital has a unique aura of excitement and success in most walks of British life, if you want to get on you've got to do it in London.

Living Costs in General

Life for students in London can at first be daunting. The cost of living is high but there is no shortage of jobs and many of London's wonderful attractions are free or heavily discounted for students. Here is an example of current prices in London (in pounds sterling) for some common goods and services:

Accomodation in London through Grafton College

See our Accommodation section for more information.

Working in London

International students are officially entitled to a part-time job for up to 20 hours per week. London is blooming with loads of opportunities ranging from simple waitressing job up to part-time office work or, if you have experience in other areas you could find employment that would suit you most.

The national minimum wage is currently:

• £5.73 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older
• a development rate of £4.77 per hour for workers aged 18-21 inclusive
• £3.53 per hour for all workers under the age of 18, who are no longer of compulsory school age

For more information please go to http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nmw/#dev

Some useful links on how to find work in London:

Tourist Attractions

Main tourist attractions include the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral. Popular tour guides contain information about many other attractions in and outside London.

Museums

Most museums in London are usually free of charge except for special exhibitions. At some museums you may be asked to show a student identity card (ISIC card) to obtain free admission. You will certainly enjoy the variety of museums, such as The National Gallery, The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), Science, Natural History and Geological Museum which are located within a walking distance from each other. Be sure to visit The British Museum as well as The Tate Gallery on the Thames River Embankment. The Royal Academy of Arts will open its doors to anyone interested in the exhibition of Arts.

Shopping areas

Explore the famous Oxford Street where the mix of expensive fragrances invites you to top shops of celebrities. Every area of London - south, west, north or east is blooming with shopping centers for everyone’s taste. Europe’s biggest inner-city shopping mall, Westfiled, is only a two-minute walk away from the College. Should you just need a bottle of milk for your breakfast cereal, the small local shops will give you a 24-hour service.

Entertainment

Night life, theatres, clubs, dancing, bars and much more entertainment is available to fit everyone’s taste. Leicester Square and Piccadilly Square are the most popular places of London's night life. If you are keen on films, there are many cinemas throughout the city such as The Virgin Cinemas (junction of Fulham Road and Beaufort Street), The Riverside Studios in Hammersmith and a nice cinema in Putney High Street.

You can easily check the weekly Time Out magazine for up-to-date information on what's on at the cinemas, theatres etc. The magazine gives you plenty of details on what is worth seeing as well as lots of helpful suggestions.

or visit www.timeout.com

Transport

The following website includes information on Underground network, bus, and river bus services in the capital. It also includes real time travel information and journey planning details.

www.londontransport.co.uk

More Information

Find out more about studying and living in the UK by visiting www.educationuk.org or download the full document produced by the British Council and Education UK at http://www.educationuk.org/downloads/study_live_uk.pdf.

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