Studying in London

Why Studying in London ?

London is a popular destination for thousands of students every year, and it is one of the world’s most famous and influential cities. 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 key figure in western democracy. Students can gain valuable insight into the workings of one of the most progressive and influential cities in the world. London competes closely with New York and Tokyo to be the world’s leading financial centre. For students who are interested in business, being in such close proximity to the London Stock Exchange, major investment banks, financial institutions and the headquarters of large multinational corporations, can be of great benefit. London has played a central role in European and world history, and has a well preserved heritage that is both fun and educational to explore. Students can trace the growth and development of the city from Roman times, through the middle ages to the World Wars of the twentieth century and the modern skyscrapers of today. The city has numerous historical landmarks that are famous throughout the world, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and more recently, the London Eye. 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, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, National Gallery, Tate Gallery, Saatchi Gallery, Royal Albert Concert Hall, Prince Edward Theatre and Palace Theatre. London has a dynamic social scene, and it 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, with places such as Wembley Arena and the Carling Academy regularly hosting top artists and bands. 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’s economy creates many opportunities for part-time employment, and students can easily supplement their living expenses by finding jobs outside of their study hours. The British government allows foreign students to legally work for up to 20 hours per week. 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’.

Guidelines for Studying in London

The British Higher Education The British higher education system is considered to be one of the best in the world, and British colleges and universities are renowned for their high academic standards and depth of academic knowledge. Because of this, thousands of foreign students travel to the United Kingdom (UK) every year in search of academic excellence and the opportunity to gain prestigious qualifications. Current figures estimate that over 275,000 foreign students are studying in the UK, and this is a clear indication of how highly regarded British qualifications are internationally. Upon graduation, foreign students can look forward to returning home and making a direct contribution to their local economies, or they can join the rapidly growing international workforce being employed by companies and organisations in the UK. Most foreign students come to the UK not only to study towards a British qualification, but to also improve their English and learn about the British way of life, its culture and its people. When they return home, these experiences will help them to get a good job and they will be better off than if they had chosen to study in their own country. The British government has recognised the contribution that foreign students make to both the local and global economies, and has committed itself to attracting more foreign students to study the United Kingdom. A spokesperson for the Department for Education and Skills said: "We have every intention of remaining one of the most popular destinations for overseas students. That is why we launched the Prime Minister’s initiative in 1999 to recruit an additional 50,000 international students." When Arriving in London Most students will arrive in the UK via one of London's airports. When you arrive at passport/immigration control please ensure that you have to hand your passport with your entry clearance stamp (if applicable), your proof of enrolment letter from LCHE and copies of any other documentation you were required to produce when seeking pre-entry clearance. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) Location: The airport is situated 15 miles (24km) west of London. Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)8700 000123. Transfer between terminals: Transfer between the four terminals is free on the Heathrow Express train. Transfer to the city: The best way to London is on the Heathrow Express train, which leaves every 15 minutes for Paddington station taking 15 minutes. Tickets can be booked on 0845 600 1515 or at www.heathrowexpress.co.uk. Paddington has good connections to the other London railway stations and all parts of London via the underground (The Tube). Heathrow is on the Piccadilly underground line, which takes passengers into central London in around 40 minutes; it is a slower way to travel, but much cheaper. London's black taxi cabs also service Heathrow Airport, the journey time to central London varies from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic. Car rental: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt each operate at all terminals. Facilities: There are numerous shops, bars and restaurants, ATMs and currency exchange facilities in all terminals. Each terminal also has a left luggage facilities and postal services. Disabled facilities are good; those requiring special needs are advised to contact their airline in advance. Parking: Short-term parking is available adjacent to the airport. A free shuttle service links the terminals and the long-term and business car parks. Motorbikes can park free of charge at designated areas at each terminal. Website: www.baa.com London Gatwick Airport (LGW) Location: The airport is situated 28 miles (45km) south of London. Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)1293 535 353. Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are linked by the Inter Terminal Transit train that leaves every 3 minutes, journey time: two minutes. Transfer to the city: The easiest and quickest way to London is on the Victoria Express, which leaves regularly and takes 30 minutes to Victoria railway station. Buses and taxis are also available. Car rental: Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz operate from both terminals. Facilities: Both terminals have shops, restaurants, bars, left luggage, bureaux de change, ATMs, an internet café, baby changing rooms and children's play areas. In the South Terminal there is a post office, a medical centre offering vaccinations, and the BAA Conference and Business Centre, which provides meeting rooms, videoconferencing, fax, photocopy, internet access and secretarial services. Disabled facilities at the airport are good; those who require special assistance should contact their airline in advance. Parking: There is short-term car parking next to each terminal. Long-term parking is available further away; a shuttle bus runs between the car parks and the terminals. Website: www.baa.com London Stansted Airport (STN) Location: The airport is situated 30 miles (48km) north east of London. Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)870 0000 303. Transfer to the city: The Stansted Express rail service operates between London Liverpool Street station and the airport. There are also coach services to Victoria Coach Station, Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Taxis are also available at the terminal building. Car rental: Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz all operate from the airport. Facilities: There are restaurants, shops and bars in the terminal. Other facilities include ATMs, a bureau de change and an internet cafe. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline or travel agent in advance. Parking: The short-term parking is located next to the terminal building. Long-term parking is further away and is linked to the airport by a free shuttle bus; passengers should allow an extra 30 minutes to access the terminal from the car parks. Travellers who pre-book on the Stansted Airport website receive discounted car parking. Website: www.baa.com Immigration Controls If you have not already made an application through your local British Consulate, High Commission or Embassy for your student visa, please do so as soon as possible. Students who are citizens of countries outside of the European Union should all contact their local British Consulate/High Commission to find out if they need pre-entry clearance for entry to the UK and what the procedure is. You may be required to have medical examination, prior to your departure, regarding which the British Consulate/High Commission will guide you. Your visa application should take a minimum of 10 working days to process. Please see the enclosed sheet giving general guidance to student visa applicants. When you arrive at UK Immigration you will have your passport stamped to specify the length of time you have been given leave to remain in the UK. This can vary and may not cover the whole period you intend to be in the UK to study. You are likely therefore to have to extend your leave to stay in the UK at some point during your studies. If this is the case, our admissions department will be happy to give you advice on this upon arrival, including the address of the Home Office department to which you will have to apply when your visa is due to expire. Some students may be required to register with the police within seven days of their arrival in the UK. If required, this will be stamped into your passport at the airport so please check the stamps carefully. There is a specific police office (Overseas Visitors Records Office) that you must register with. Transport and Travel in London London Underground (The Tube) The London Underground system, known as the Tube, provides an excellent way of getting around London. There are a number of different lines serving various parts of London and the tube map is clear and easy to understand. You can view and download a map of the London Underground from www.thetube.com. Tube and Bus maps are available at all underground Stations. You can also pick up details of London Transport's student discount scheme. Buses Buses can be slower than underground trains, particularly during rush hour but if you do have time they are a great way of getting to see London. As well as buses running during rush hour and throughout the day there are a number of night buses, which run when the underground trains have stopped for the night. Upon arrival you may wish to take advantage of London Transport's Official Guided Tour of London, which leaves from several locations around London. Taxis The black cabs that you will see everywhere when you arrive are the best form of taxi transportation to take if you don't mind paying more than you would for public transport. The police license these and the fares are regulated. These cabs are usually flagged down on the street and can also be found in taxi ranks outside airports, major mainline stations and large hotels. There is also a black cab service that can be booked in advance but in most cases it is quicker to find one in the street. You can also use other private taxis known as 'mini-cabs' but these are not regulated in the same way and it is important to use a reputable company. These are booked in advance by telephone. Intercity Trains If you are intending to explore other parts of the UK during your stay you may wish to travel by mainline intercity train. The main London stations are Euston, King's Cross St. Pancras, Liverpool Street, Paddington, Victoria and Waterloo. Depending on where you are travelling to you are likely to use one of these stations if you are going on a journey outside of London and the counties immediately surrounding it. Note that Waterloo Station also serves as London's Eurostar terminal from where you can catch trains direct to Paris. Cost of Living in London The cost of living in London is generally considered to be relatively high in comparison to many other world capitals. However, there is a vast range of prices in most areas and it is possible to live centrally and be able to live well without problems as long as some sensible management of money is employed. Accommodation Your accommodation represents the single largest element of your student budget. It also is the largest variable. There is a large range of prices of accommodation in London dependent upon a number of factors of which probably the most relevant is location. Prices tend to be high throughout central London but low cost student accommodation is available through specialised agencies or in student hostels. Prices average from £ 100 - £ 150 per week for a shared room and may include some meals (usually at hostels only). Students wishing to have more private accommodation in their own apartment must be prepared to pay upwards of £ 200 per week in most central locations. In addition students are usually required to pay a month's rent in advance and a month's rent as security deposit. Eating Again, a huge range of prices is seen in London as far as eating out is concerned. However, there are many different types of eating establishments, catering to diverse tastes with cuisines from all over the world. If students are prepared to look around they will be able to eat very well in London for a reasonable price. To give some ideas of average prices: full cooked breakfast in a cafe - £ 4.00, take-away sandwich bars and small cafes at around £ 1.50 but can be considerably more expensive in some of the newer chain coffee bars. More information and guidelines on reasonable eating and drinking establishments in London is available under the relevant section. Buying food in supermarkets can be a much cheaper way of eating and these days there are many items sold which are ready to eat or easy to heat in a microwave cooker, usually available at student hostels. If students plan to buy and prepare their own food for most of their meals and just have take-away light meals for lunch they should budget on at least £ 50 per week. Travel If students are living in centrally located accommodation they will be able to benefit from a central zone travel card that can be purchased weekly or monthly and allows them unlimited tube and bus travel within the specified area. A weekly ticket currently costs £ 25 and a monthly ticket £ 90. If students wish to take advantage of their time in the UK and explore further afield, there are a number of discounts available on national rail travel, particularly if tickets are booked 14 days in advance. There are also a number of low-cost airlines with destinations all over Europe, which makes weekend breaks in Europe an affordable option with prices frequently under £ 100 and as little as £ 50 return. Eurostar also operates a train service direct to Paris from Waterloo station for a similar price. Books and Stationery Specialised business topic text books can be expensive but are not as costly as books required for some science, law and medical subjects. On average a textbook recommended for a bachelor or master degree level class would be around £ 20 - £ 30. Certain books will be recommended and extremely useful to have on hand throughout a course but much of the required reading material can be accessed through libraries and on the internet. Other costs to take into account Staying in contact - students may wish to purchase mobile telephones. The actual telephone itself represents the largest portion of the cost but phones from many other countries may be converted to UK phones by simply signing up for a UK account and replacing the SIM card. Clothing The best advice you can be given on practical and suitable clothing for the various seasons in London is to have a variety of items that can be adapted and added to as necessary to cope with the variability of the British weather. For the winter you should certainly have some jumpers and a warm coat or jacket. Students are advised to keep some money aside in case it is necessary during their stay to buy additional clothing. Central London boasts a huge number of individual clothing shops and branches of world-wide chains. Correspondingly there is a range or prices. If you can, keep aside £ 100 per term in case of the need for emergency purchases. Students who like to shop for clothes should obviously be prepared to spend more but this is a matter of personal choice rather than a necessity. Bank Accounts If you are planning to be in the UK for at least six months you can apply to open a student bank account at any of the main high street banks. Student accounts usually allow access to your money via a cashpoint card for use at automatic cash dispensers which doubles up as a debit card (that is, when you use it the money is debited direct from your account) for general use in shops etc. There are usually restrictions on cheque book facilities on student accounts but policies can vary between banks so it is worth getting information from more than one before opening an account. The banking hours are usually 09:30 to 16:30 from Monday to Friday. Exchanging Currency You can change currency to sterling and vice versa at all main banks and Bureaux de Change. Bureaux can be found all over central London, in travel agencies, post offices, American Express, Thomas Cook, Lunn Poly offices and some shops. Once you open your bank account your money transactions will be simplified but when you first arrive it is best to bring some pound sterling traveller’s cheques that you can change as needed. You may be charged around 1% commission on these transactions. Money Transfers If you need to have money transferred to you from home in a hurry this can be done through Western Union. There are branches throughout central London, usually located in shops and you can find your nearest branch by calling 0800 833 833. Where Living in London LCHE encourages all new students to have their accommodation arrangements in place before arriving for studying in London. The Student Services Co-ordinator is available to help students find accommodation, and it is advised that students inform the school as early as possible about their accommodation needs. LCHE makes use of specialised companies to place students in comfortable and affordable accommodation throughout London. Of course, students are welcome to make their own private accommodation arrangements, and we will gladly assist with any advice and support that might be necessary in this regard. Why Host Families? LCHE offers hosted student accommodation with various organisations that specialise in providing Homestays throughout London. ‘Hosts-International’ and ‘Britannia Travel’ are two agencies that are highly recommended by many colleges and universities in the London area. They both have exceptionally large databases of hosting families in use, and can usually provide confirmation of a place within 72 hours of the application. Those agencies recommending host families to all students who are new to the UK, as the system provides a family environment whilst being away from home. A laundry service and meals also come as standard with the host option, and students can have their own room for privacy and study. All accommodation is within easy reach of the school via public transport, and students usually stay between London Travel Zones 3 and 4. What is a Host Family Accommodation? Host families are ideal for any students who may be slightly apprehensive about making the big move to study in London. Host families can provide support and comfort to students, help students with their English language development, and provide a family home for the duration of their stay. At ‘Hosts’ you will live as part of the family, which may help you to learn about new cultures and broaden your interests. Hosts are very sensitive to everybody’s separate requirements and ask for much detail on the application to ensure that you are well suited to your host family. They are more than happy to place you with a new family if you are not satisfied. The host will provide you with your own private room and study area, a laundry service and meals inclusive of the price. Alternative Accommodation More independent students might prefer to stay in a student flat or residence. This option is usually self-catering, and students can enjoy the privacy and independence of their own room, whilst also profiting from a vibrant and student-orientated environment. Sightseeing Sites of London The London Pass The Houses of Parliament Buckingham Palace and the Queen’s Gallery Windsor Castle Historic Royal Palaces St Paul’s Cathedral The Tower of London Madame Tussaud’s and the Planetarium The National Gallery The British Museum The Shakespeare’s Globe The London Eye Harrods The Camden Market LondonTown.com Student Visas for Foreign Students Student Visas for Overseas Students This information is issued for guidance purposes only and should not be considered to replace any information issued by your local British Visa Application Office. It is a requirement of the UK Immigration Authorities that citizens of a number of countries must hold a visa to study full time in the UK. We advise all students to contact their nearest British Embassy or Consulate to determine whether they fall into this category. If a visa is required a student should not travel to the UK in order to begin his or her course without first obtaining the necessary pre-entry clearance. Once students have been accepted to begin a course at London College for Higher Education or partner schools they should contact their nearest visa application office in order to: Determine whether a visa is required. Find out if applications can be made by post or must be made in person. Find out if they are required to have medical clearance as part of the visa application process. If applications can be made by post you will be sent an application form and a list of documents that you are required to send in support of your application. However, it is very common that when applying for a study visa a personal interview is required. If this is the case we advise that you arrange your appointment at least several weeks (earlier if possible) ahead of your proposed start date in London. Many visa offices have large numbers of visa applications and these can take time to process. When attending an interview you will be asked for some or all of the following documents and we advise that you go prepared with all of these to save time and the need for a return visit: Passport. Passport photos (take three). Visa application fee amount will be advised by your local office. A letter from LCHE confirming your acceptance and stating your course, duration of course and confirming your full time status. Proof that you have paid your fees, or have the ability to pay your fees for the course. Proof that you can pay for your general expenses including accommodation while in London for the period of time you are studying. An address where you will be staying in the UK if this is available. Test scores in English or ability to demonstrate that you have studied English to pre-university level; or Confirmation that you are taking an English language support programme should be provided. Original or certified copies of your academic qualifications as provided to LCHE Proof of financial resources must include bank statements from you, your parents or sponsor and in the event that your fees and expenses are being paid by a parent or sponsor, a letter from that person confirming this fact. Remember: It is better to apply with too much rather than too little information. Read the instructions on your visa application form very carefully before making your application. Helpful Downloads and Web Address UK Visa Information for International Students Tips for Student Budgeting Spend some time planning your income & expenditure. Prepare or use a budget sheet. Recognise what you might be worrying about, what you might overspend on, what your needs are, how your lifestyle affects your money etc. Dealing with money is very emotional! List essential expenditure at least once a month, maybe when your bank statement comes in. Try to keep a record of everything you spend, including bank & credit card statements. This helps identify regular & occasional spending patterns & you may need them to apply for emergency funds from your college or university. Consider setting up standing orders & direct debits where you can, e.g. for telephone, utilities bills & other regular payments. These can help you to plan and ensure that you are making consistent regular payments to all the places you need to. Save (where you can) & plan for extra expenditure such as start of year costs, special occasions, family birthdays etc. If you have debts, or feel you are getting into debt, or are about to borrow money but worry about paying it back, don't ignore the situation. Go for advice as soon as possible to a welfare rights or money advisor in your college, university, local authority or Citizens Advice Bureau. They will help you to deal with the priority debts & help you make the best decisions & manage your budget. If you need to borrow money, use only interest free overdraft facilities, where you can & if you have to pay interest, check you are getting the best rate. Compare bank & commercial loans with credit cards & other forms of credit. Open a student or graduate bank account if you haven't already got one. If you are unable to get an account with overdrafts because of debts or any other reason, consider a basic banking account. Try not to withdraw money too often, for example, withdraw money for the week. Consider where buying books is essential & check out second hand options, libraries & sharing. Also, check out food prices as supermarkets may be more expensive than other shops or markets. Check out all student discounts & find out about emergency financial help, including Learner Support Funds, Access to Learning Funds, Financial Contingency Funds & money advice in your local college or university. Their websites may also have useful local information. Links and Resources Accommodation www.accommodationforstudents.com www.host-international.com www.hotelguide.com Language Services Educational Services Anglo American The Language and Leisure Experts Pearl Linguistics - Translation Services London Guides This is London London Journey Planner London Maps Universities, Colleges, Education etc www.londonexternal.ac.uk www.som.surrey.ac.uk www.cie.org.uk www.englishforadults.moonfruit.com www.the-bac.org www.nccedu.com British Councils and other Governing Bodies The British Council British Council in India British Accreditation Council The Home Office - Border & Immigration Agency Department for Education and School Travel Services STA Travel Worldwide British Airport Administrators The London Underground When Studying in London ? The decision of when to participate in one of our programmes is one which only you can make in consultation with your family and academic advisor. Usually students consider financial timing, their current academic status, and their credit standing. Whatever the factors you consider and decision you make here is an overview of the LCHE academic terms and year structure to assist you in the process. LCHE conduct four academic terms per calendar year, Terms are beginning in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Get Started Today