London is an expensive city. It’s expensive regardless if you’re working or studying here. But it’s especially crushing when you’re studying at a university in central London and the costs quickly ramp up.
Below I share some of the tips I follow to lessen the pain of swiping my card in London:
1. Increase revenue
I’m studying economics after all. The secret to thriving isn’t just cutting costs but boosting revenue! What I mean is, get employed. Do something, anything. Get a part-time job. One of the advantages of LSE’s location in central London is that opportunities are easy to come by. You could work in retail, at LSE itself, or for one of the start-ups in the city. It will help earning and spending in pounds itself than in your own currency.
2. Walk everywhere
London is a walking city. Everyone walks around here and there’s no avoiding it even if you’re taking the bus or the train; you have to walk to the station! An easy and effective tip that works for me is to just walk everyday and avoid taking the tube, which is where costs can, again, rack up quite quickly. I personally find walking very therapeutic and it helps me get some exercise in! You can incorporate walking to LSE everyday and save a lot in commuting costs.
3. Explore free activities in the city
Whilst London is expensive, it also offers a plethora of free activities to indulge in, without compromising your student budget. Exploring is a key aspect of being a student abroad, and you should definitely take advantage of all the free attractions available!
Most — if not all — museums are free and there are many. You can also get the Student Art Pass which will allow you access to some of the paid exhibitions for a small fee for a year. The parks are beautiful and free; a key staple of London life. Get out of the classroom and take in some fresh air. You can have a picnic or explore some of the bigger parks like Richmond, Battersea, Greenwich or Hampstead Heath.
4. Can I get a discount?
Most restaurants, especially chains, such as Tortilla’s, offer student memberships and student discounts. When you go to a shop or a restaurant, just ask! Many places don’t advertise it but they offer great discounts to students all over the city.
5. Get a 18+ Student Oyster photocard
You can walk, but London is also a huge city, and unfortunately it can sometimes take upwards of an hour if you live far away in Zone 2 or 3. But worry not, because Transport for London offer Student Oyster cards that give students discounts on their travel fares; you can also top this up and link it with a discount railcard that will then allow you discounted travel all over the UK.
6. Keep track of finances
Expenditures build up quickly, and I find it helpful to track all my expenses on a simple Excel spreadsheet; it helps me see where I’m spending and where I can cut for the next month. Additionally, you can use other apps that track expenses for you as you spend.
Whilst it can be difficult to survive as a student in an expensive city like London, with a little manoeuvring and strategising, it is indeed possible.
Hope these tips were helpful!
