So, you've received your university offer time to pack your bags for London, right?
Exciting moment, no doubt. But as soon as the adrenaline settles and you start planning the move, reality hits:
Where are you going to stay?
How do people really live in London on a student budget?
Will you find your comfort foods, cope with homesickness, or figure out the Tube without losing your mind?
Trust me I’ve been there. Moving from India to London for studies was incredible, but also incredibly overwhelming at times. From struggling to decode British humour to figuring out if you can actually afford an ensuite room, there’s a lot to think about.
Let’s break down everything I wish I’d known before arriving from booking your student accommodation London to adjusting to daily life in a new (and expensive) environment.
1. Accommodation: Student Halls, Shared Flats & What Actually Works
Let’s start with where you’ll live since it’s the first thing that impacts your student experience.
You generally have two main choices:
- University halls: Managed by your university, these are often prioritised for first-year or international students. You get a mix of room types (ensuite, shared, studios) and it’s an easy way to build a support system quickly.
- Private student accommodation: Offered by external companies like Yugo, iQ, or Scape. These buildings also cater to students, often come with modern furnishings, and might feel more independent than uni halls.
My first-year experience:
I stayed in a private en-suite flat near Wembley and while the space was comfortable, it was far from Central London. I didn’t realise how long the Bakerloo line really felt until I spent over an hour commuting each day.
What I learned:
- Always check the commute time, not just the rent.
- Ask if bills and Wi-Fi are included some "deals" hide extra fees.
- Use sites like Student Accommodation Guide to compare verified listings so you don’t end up in a dodgy location or fall for sketchy landlords.
2. The Food Transition: From Paneer to Pasta (And Back Again)
Let’s be very honest food is one of the biggest cultural shocks.
You may not realise how comforting dal-chawal or piping hot chai is until you can’t have it every evening. British food has its own charm (Sunday roast is worth trying), but it’s bland compared to typical Indian spice levels.
Here’s how I adapted:
- Found Indian grocery stores early on (Southall, Wembley, Tooting are great)
- Stocked up on spices don’t rely on Amazon; local stores are cheaper
- Learned 5 quick recipes I could cook in under 20 minutes (Maggi counts!)
If you’re in shared accommodation, be mindful of cooking smells some flatmates might be sensitive, even if they don’t say it outright. But honestly? Many end up trying your food and falling in love with it.
3. Commuting: Understanding Zones, Student Discounts & Surprises
When people say London is well-connected, they’re not lying. But the system has quirks and prices that take getting used to.
Here's what helped me:
- Get an 18+ Student Oyster card online before your term starts (saves you 30% on Travelcards)
- Understand the zone you'll live in and how far it is from your uni campus
- Use apps like Citymapper, which is better than Google Maps for London travel
- Be ready for train strikes (yes, they happen more than you’d expect) and always plan an alternative route
A quick note on zones:
- Living in Zones 1–2 = higher rent, lower travel cost
- Zones 3–4 = cheaper housing, longer daily commutes
- Beyond Zone 4 = usually not ideal unless your campus is based there
4. Cultural Adjustments: Small Talk, Sarcasm, and Tea Protocol
If you expect culture shock to hit like a bolt of lightning, it won’t. It’s more like a slow build of tiny everyday differences.
Things I wish someone warned me about:
- British people say “Sorry” all the time even when they’re not actually sorry
- “You alright?” just means Hello, not an invitation to share how your day’s going
- Queueing is sacred. Push into a line and you'll instantly become that person
- Learn basic kitchen etiquette if you’re sharing a clean sink = peace
5. Finding Community: Homesickness and Being the “New One”
No matter how excited you are about moving to London, homesickness is going to creep in especially in the first few weeks.
It really helps to stay socially connected.
What worked for me:
- Joined the Indian Society at my uni
- Tried out events hosted by desi student groups (Garba night was everything)
- Used Instagram to find other Indian students already living in my area
- Scheduled video calls home on weekdays not just weekends
Remember: everyone's adjusting in their own way. You’re not falling behind if you’re struggling to settle in. It’s okay to feel out of place at first most people do.
6. Key Mistakes to Avoid (Learn From Mine)
- Never book a room without seeing a video tour or verifying it through a trusted platform
- Don’t assume British landlords will be casual everything is by the book, and that includes formal contracts, deposits, and check-in routines
- Avoid flats that don’t mention how bills are paid or split
- Don’t underestimate cold months. Invest in warm clothes before winter (Thermals are lifesavers)
- Avoid random Facebook listings filled with too-good-to-be-true offers
7. Why I Chose Verified Listings the Second Time Around
Booking from abroad was overwhelming. Too many chats, unknown listings, and confusion about who to trust.
By my second year, I started using Student Accommodation Guide to compare trusted student accommodation London providers. It helped me:
- Compare verified options with trustworthy pricing
- Find rooms near my campus in Zone 1 and Zone 2
- Read real reviews from other students
- Filter by facilities (ensuite, kitchen, bills included, distance)
The first year, I had stress. The next year, I had structure.
Final Thoughts: You’ll Settle In Give It Time
I won’t pretend it’s all smooth sailing. Your first few weeks in London might feel like a mix of excitement, confusion, and “What have I done?” But day by day, you’ll start finding your routine, your shortcuts, your people.
The key is making smart choices early, like understanding what matters to you in your accommodation privacy? Budget? Location? Social experience?
Then go from there.
Before You Book, Ask Yourself These:
- How far am I willing to commute every day?
- Can I afford my top choice without financial stress?
- Shared flat or studio what suits my personality?
- Do I want to be around a social crowd or prefer doing my own thing?
If you get those answers clear, your housing choice becomes much easier.
Want Support Finding the Right Place?
- I’ve got a checklist I used before signing my second-year contract happy to share
- Need a breakdown of what’s nearby your London uni? I can help with that
- Want to browse verified listings that don’t feel scammy? Student Accommodation Guide was my go-to
You’ve got this. London will feel like home way faster than you think.