Thrills and spills of studying in London

[stoneysongs]

A thread for supporters of DC heading to London unis - was originally going to be UCL which seems very popular this year, but expanded at @Needmoresleep's excellent suggestion.

For chats about moving in, what to take, living in London, whether an Oyster card is worth bothering with, how to do a big shop, where to park at drop off, the dreaded search for 2nd year accommodation etc etc etc

Tagging people I've spotted from the ex Oxbridge thread but all welcome including those with DC currently in London who can share their wisdom and anyone thinking of it for 2025 or beyond

@catmomof3
@lifeturnsonadime
@PotentialUCLmum
@CoffeeMugShot
@space99
@FebruarySmith
@mynameisnotmichaelcaine
@Summertimer

By way of intro I have a DD going to UCL to study BASc Arts and Sciences.

For London it's more challenging. Then again not everyone will meet the kings offer. Where is Ur DD's firm?

Not sure of firm yet as still waiting for one offer but KCL will be the lower offer as contextual.

Understood. Wishing your DD all the best.

A lot of international students who Firm KCL don't in the end take up their place. So accommodation they have reserved goes back on offer.

Just reignighting this thread. DS has firmed UCL for history and got his accommodation in Goldsmit house. He’s incredibly happy.

Anyone else’s dc starting in September?

Anyone else to join? I’m seeing that apparently Bath is very expensive for accommodation too. Lovely little city though.

I’ve been reading a guide by the London students on the Complete University Guide. Possibly a couple of years of of date but very useful. It suggests that about £400-£500 is needed each month for food, Oyster card, gym and all the other things. Is this your experience?

DS is still doing his A levels so I’m trying not to pressure him with university finances but sort them out myself.

Hi @Ventress my DS is struggling to book UCL accommodation as every time he logs on, there’s nothing there apart from Canary Wharf! Any tips?

I’ll planning on £400 per month, as that’s what my older DC got (not adjusting for inflation, yet!)

Try about 3pm @stoneysongsthey release new accommodation in batches. We started by looking at the weekend but there was nothing except the Canary Wharf flats! Try looking on a Monday. Good luck!

It’s seriously expensive @Helleniabut quite a lot of campus universities we looked at seemed really expensive.

what is your son looking to study?

Ps. You have to have firmed UCL before you can book accommodation. You also have to give a £400 deposit via credit card.

For a first year Undergraduate, one of the Bloomsbury Halls would be the best fit.

UCL itself will be a 5 or 10 minute walk away and they will be right in the heart of the academic area surrounding Senate House.

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/study/accommodation/halls/undergraduate

Thanks so much @Ventress will try again on Monday 🤞🤞 he’s firmed for biochem, with Bristol as insurance so either will be pricey, unfortunately

Good luck @Hellenia🤞

yes, both expensive! DS has firmed UCL and insured Exeter.

Good luck to your DS too and hope a levels are going well

Thanks @Hellenia- 2 down so far.

Hope your son’s a levels are going well! I do feel for them, so much pressure.

I think DS is going to take DH to the open day in June. I went with him last summer so I think DH would like to go this time.

Thanks @TheSquareMile. DS has gone a bit further out because he wants to be closer to Westminster but accommodation in the campus area is ideal for undergraduates I’d think.

£400 a month in London is possible but on lower side depending on travel costs from accommodation to uni. If need to go in every day and use tube and train that’s £9-11 a day with student oyster (might be cheaper if a short return journey). We budgeted £50 a week for travel give DSs journey. Then budgeting for food. Then socialising, clubs etc depending on the individual. DD sports club was £300 at start of year.

I think we’ll give DS £500 per month @Duchessofmuchnessand he will need to contribute the rest. He’s hopeful of getting a job while at university (he’s a tennis coach) and will work through the summer to make some money.

I’ve booked the open day at the end of June for DH and DS. Hope it’s less badly organised than last year’s when they had to abandon the check in and wristband idea due to the insane queues.

Thanks so much for your help @Ventress DS booked his accommodation today and is delighted! He thought he was going to end up in Canary Wharf so is very relieved to have got it sorted - your Monday afternoon tip want spot on!

Fantastic, glad he got that sorted. Definitely a load off one’s mind! I can’t take credit - I was advised by mysticcatlady . Her tips worked for me and I’m glad they worked for you too 😊