As one of the world’s most famous and influential cities, London is a popular destination for thousands of students every year. Studying in London presents a unique opportunity to experience life in this dynamic, multicultural environment, and foreign students are particularly attracted by the wide variety of historical, cultural, and social activities that are on offer.

Some of the reasons that make London the first choice for students include:

• London is the premier capital city in Europe and a financial capital of England. Students can gain valuable insight into the workings of one of the most progressive and influential cities in the world.
• London has a dynamic social scene, and is well known for having many restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs and cinemas throughout the city. Students can take advantage of being in one of the best locations in the world for live music. There are also a number of carnivals and festivals that are celebrated during the year.
• London has a large, well developed public transport infrastructure, and this allows students to easily travel around the city.
• London is one of the world’s leading cultural cities, with many renowned museums, art galleries and theatres. Students have an unrivalled opportunity to experience culture, and a few examples of popular attractions include the British Museum, Science Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Tate Gallery, Saatchi Gallery, Royal Albert Concert Hall, Prince Edward Theatre and Palace Theatre.
• London's economy creates many opportunities for part-time employment, and students can supplement their living expenses by finding jobs outside of their study hours. The British government allows foreign students to legally work for 10- 20 hours per week depending on the level of their course.

London is a multicultural city, with most nationalities having thriving communities within the capital. This is a great benefit to foreign students, as they are able to interact with people from their own countries, ethnic backgrounds and religions, thereby helping them to create a 'home away from home'.

It is estimated that the cost of a single student is around £670 per month, which includes accommodation costs. If you are bringing dependents you should allow for £400 extra per month for each spouse, civil partner or child.

It is recommended that you bring no more than £800 cash or travellers cheques with you on arrival in the UK and this should cover you for food, housing and living costs for the first month before you open a bank account.

Studying in the centre of London means there are plenty of convenient travel links available to you. Hayes & Harlington train station is only a 2 minute walk from the College and there are various bus routes situated within close proximity.

Full time students are able to apply for train and bus concession passes which will allow you to get a discounted student rate making it cheaper for you to travel. You will need a confirmation letter stating you are a full time student or a student card to apply for a travel card. An Oyster Card is a good investment if you use the bus or the tube a lot. Visit www.tfl.gov.uk for travel and Oyster card information.

It is cheaper to use an international calling card or a discount dial number when phoning family and friends at home. There are many companies who can provide cheap calls to countries outside the UK. Please ask your student support services for more information.

To register with a doctor, you will need to visit the reception of your nearest GP’s (doctor’s) surgery during opening hours, taking your offer letter or enrolment letter to show that you are a student. Most GP surgeries have female as well as male doctors. If you prefer, you can ask to be seen by a woman doctor.

You should register with a GP’s surgery close to your accommodation soon after your arrival in the UK. To find your nearest doctor visit the NHS website.

For emergency medical advice 24 hours a day phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk In the event of an emergency the ambulance service, fire service and police can be reached on: 999

It is important to open a UK bank account in order for you to have access to British Pounds for living costs, rent and school fees. Your student support officer will have contact details for local banks with competitive rates that will know your situation and be able to help you open a bank account very efficiently.

Full time students on a course of degree level or above may work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Students on a course of a lower level than degree may only work 10 hours a week. Students working more than the permitted hours risk being sent home by the immigration authorities.

You may not work if your visa or passport stamp states "No Work" or "Employment Prohibited" or that you must "not engage in employment" (unless it also contains the words “consent of the Secretary of State”)