Why London is a Great Place to Study English
London is one of the best places in the world to study. QS ranks London as the #3 best student city in the world for 2026. For international students, London offers strong education, easy public transport, famous places to visit, and many chances to use English every day.
London vs the rest of the UK
London is usually more expensive than other UK cities. The UK government says students need £1,529 per month in London for living costs, compared with £1,171 per month outside London. So yes, London costs more but London also gives students a very special cultural experience. The city has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. The Natural History Museum and British Museum also offer free general admission, so students can enjoy world-famous history and culture without paying each time they visit. This is a big advantage for students who want to improve their English outside the classroom and engage with local history and culture.
London is welcoming for international students
London is one of the most international cities in the world. According to the 2021 Census by the UK government, 41% of Londoners were born outside the UK, compared with 13% in the rest of England. London government sources also say that more than 300 languages are spoken in the city showing that London is still the most ethnically diverse region in England.
This is one reason many students feel comfortable here quickly. You can find food, communities and cultural influences from many countries, but you still use English every day on the street, in shops, on transport and in class.
In 2025 alone, students at IH London came from 70+ different countries and 6 continents. Our diverse nationality mix creates a truly immersive, international learning experience where English connects people across borders.
Read Student Nationality Report 2025
Is London safe for international students?
No big city is perfect, and students should still take normal care with phones, bags and travel at night. However, the latest police official figures show that London’s crime numbers compare well with the rest of the UK. In the last year, robbery and theft have declined by 13% in all London boroughs. So, London is a large world city, and students should be sensible, but the latest official statistics do not support the idea that London is unusually ‘unsafe‘ for students.
Affordable Accommodation vs Airbnb
When choosing accommodation in London, students should think about clear weekly costs and reliable housing, not just the lowest nightly price. School-arranged accommodation is often easier to plan and manage when arriving in a new city. At IH London, student residences start from £434 per week (about £62 per night) and homestays are usually the most cost-effective option, typically ranging from £35–£63 per night, while also giving students more opportunities to practise English at home.
By comparison, short-term rentals such as Airbnb can be significantly more expensive. The average daily rate for London short-term rentals is about £150–£190. Moreover, Airbnb guest service fees typically add around 14–16% to the total booking price. Costs can increase further depending on property type, location, season, and length of stay. When you also compare this with other areas of the UK and other English-speaking countries, IH London’s student accommodation remains competitively priced and is incredibly reliable, stress-free option for international students.
| Location | Average short-term rental price* |
|---|---|
| London | £150 – £190 per night |
| United Kingdon | £125 – £155 per night |
| United States | £170 – £185 per night |
| Canada | £65 – £95 per night |
| Australia | £80 – £115 per night |
| IH London Student Residences | £62 – £88 per night |
| IH London Homestays | £35 – £63 per night |
(*Sources: AirDNA; Airbnb Help Centre; HelloGuest UK market analysis; NerdWallet Airbnb pricing research.)
View IH London Student Accommodation
Keeping London Cheap
Living in London can be expensive, but there are many simple ways for students to reduce costs while still enjoying the city:
1. Use a Student Oyster Card for transport
Public transport is one of the biggest everyday expenses in London. Students aged 18+ can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, which gives 30% off adult Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes on Transport for London services. This includes the Underground, buses, Overground and trams. Many students also combine this with a 16–25 Railcard, which can provide one-third off rail fares across the UK and discounted off-peak travel in London.
When paying for transport with an Oyster or contactless card, London has daily fare caps. Once you reach the maximum daily amount, additional journeys are free for the rest of the day. Travelling outside peak hours (Monday – Friday 6:30–9:30 & 16:00–19:00) can also reduce fares.
2. Visit London’s many free museums and attractions
One of the best ways to enjoy London without spending money is to explore its cultural institutions. Many of the city’s most famous museums offer free general admission, including the British Museum (only a 10-minute walk from IH London), the National Gallery and the Science Museum. This allows students to experience world-class art and history without paying for tickets.
3. Take advantage of student discounts
Many shops, restaurants and cinemas in London offer student discounts through platforms such as UNiDAYS, Student Beans or Totum. These can reduce prices on food, clothing, technology and entertainment. Students can often save 10–30% on everyday purchases simply by showing a student ID.
4. Lunch meal deals
One of the easiest ways to save money in London is by using supermarket “meal deals.” Major chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op and Boots offer lunch bundles that include a sandwich or salad, a snack and a drink for around £3.60–£4.00, with premium options around £5–£5.50.
Buying the items separately would usually cost much more, so these deals are a popular option for students who want a quick and affordable lunch. For students on a budget, a supermarket meal deal can keep lunch costs at about £4 per day, which is significantly cheaper than most cafés or takeaway meals in central London
Get in touch about studying in London
If you are thinking about studying English in London, our team can help you choose the right course and the right accommodation for your budget. Contact our Sales team today to talk about accommodation options, course choices and about studying in London.