Whether you’re arriving for the first time or returning for another academic year, this guide is designed to help you navigate life as a student in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. From finding accommodation and accessing healthcare, to understanding transport options, managing finances, and exploring cultural opportunities, this page provides essential information to support your transition and make the most of your time in London. It includes practical advice tailored to international students studying at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, with links to key resources and contacts for further support.
Accommodation
Utilities and TV Licence
Utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and WiFi may be arranged by your landlord or halls of residence. This varies, so confirm whether you need to set these up yourself. Utilities are usually included in halls of residence.
If you need to arrange energy supply, .
Water is supplied by a designated provider; .
For WiFi, TV, and phone services, .
A TV licence is required if anyone in your household watches live TV or uses BBC iPlayer. If you live in university halls, you’ll need a licence for your room. Shared areas may already be covered. .
Council Tax
Council tax is an annual fee paid to the local authority for services such as rubbish collection and libraries.
Students living in private accommodation are exempt from paying council tax. Whether you need to notify your council depends on your location. If you live in halls of residence, check whether the exemption is automatic or if you need to apply. Students in Duchy House or University of London Intercollegiate Halls may be contacted to confirm their student status.
If you live in private accommodation with other full-time students, you must inform your local council and apply for a council tax exemption. . The council may request a Council Tax Exemption Letter, which you can obtain by emailing programme.administration@courtauld.ac.uk or visiting the Advice Desk.
If you live with someone who is not a student, they may be eligible for a single-person discount. .
Healthcare
is a valuable source of information relating to accessing healthcare as an international, including information on the Immigration Health Surcharge and services available as an international student.
Primary Care
If you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, you are entitled to use the NHS. Primary care is provided by a General Practitioner (GP) at a local practice. . The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ has a relationship with for students living in its catchment area but you may register with any eligible practice. GP appointments can be usually booked by phone or online; check your own GP’s procedure directly with them.
. NHS dental services may require a contribution, but are more affordable than private dental care.
Pharmacies are able to offer basic medical advice and medication guidance. .
Opticians provide eye tests and vision care; .
Emergency Care
In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999 for an ambulance.
For urgent but non-emergency medical help, dial 111 for advice, symptom checks, or service referrals. You can also visit Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments or Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs). .
.
Working on a Student Visa
– if you intend to work while studying please read these pages carefully.
Students on a visa may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Exceeding this limit may result in a breach of visa conditions, so it is important that you do not exceed this.
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ semester dates are available here. Term time includes all academic activities, whether in-person or online. This on a student visa.
Travel
Transport for London (TFL)
Transport for London manages the city’s public transport, including the Underground, buses, and roads.
You can pay for travel on a ‘Pay as you go’ basis using contactless cards, digital wallets, or . This is usually the most convenient and cost-effective method. Frequent travellers may benefit from or .
Students can apply for an for 30% off Travelcards and season tickets. A offers a 1/3 discount on off-peak fares and can be linked to your Oyster card.
The Programme Administration team (programme.administration@courtauld.ac.uk) can provide proof of student status for Oyster and Railcards.
Non-TFL Travel
London is well-connected to the rest of the UK through an extensive rail network operated by various providers. You can purchase tickets across all providers using platforms like .
A offers a 1/3 discount on train travel and some TFL fares through the 16-25 and 26-30 Railcards. Mature students are also eligible for Railcards; . If you commute regularly by train, you may wish to consider purchasing a .
Electric bikes (eBikes) are widely used in London and can be accessed via apps such as , , and . Please review this and strongly consider wearing a helmet.
Nighttime Travel
London is generally safe at night, but it’s important to plan ahead as transport options may be more limited. If you know you’ll be travelling late, check last bus and tube times in advance. Always use licensed taxi services such as or , or official . Avoid unbooked minicabs.
Some Underground and Overground services operate on Friday and Saturday nights. Full details are available on the page. Night buses run seven days a week; .
TFL also provides general guidance on l.
Culture
Museums, Galleries, Theatre and Music
Many museums and galleries in London offer free entry, and student discounts are often available for paid exhibitions.
The offers an annual membership for £10, giving students free or discounted access to hundreds of cultural venues across the UK through their .
Theatre and music venues offer various student schemes, including:
- National Theatre –
- Royal Shakespeare Company –
- Barbican –
- Young Vic –
- Royal Ballet and Opera –
- Royal Albert Hall –
Student Discounts
Many restaurants and retailers offer student discounts. Some may ask you to verify your student status through apps like , while others may accept your Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ ID.
Safety in London
London is generally a safe city, but it’s important to follow basic safety principles as in any major capital. provide comprehensive advice on staying safe, including tips for avoiding street robbery, pickpockets, and enjoying a safe night out. .
In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the police. For non-emergency police matters, dial 101.
