Living in London
Discover why London is such a great place to study for UCL students. Find out more about the cultural and academic resources on our doorstep and all the entertainment you can find in this great city all year round and find maps and tips for travelling in and around London.
Immerse yourself in the culture of London whilst you study
With its countless libraries, archives, cultural spaces and professional bodies, London is the perfect place to find context and support for your studies.
British Library
London houses more than 350 public libraries and nearly a third of all the archives in the UK, from the world-famous British and Guildhall Libraries.
The Royal Institution
Free lectures, workshops and exhibitions are offered by institutions like the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Royal Institution and the Wellcome Collection.
ZSL London Zoo
Biological Sciences students have easy access to ZSL London Zoo, the Natural History Museum or the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.
Being able to walk or take a 10-minute tube ride to all the resources in London has been a massive factor in making studying so much easier. I may be biased as I am from London but there's no better place to study.
Alicia Alli
History BA
Be entertained by all London has to offer
London boasts around 250 museums and galleries, mixed performance and exhibition spaces, theatres and music venues for all tastes and the chance to watch, or take part in sport.
Barbican Centre
With two art galleries, two theatres, a concert hall and a cinema, the Barbican is one of the city's cultural highlights for the Arts.
The National Theatre
Whether you're studying English literature, or just a fan of all things on stage, there is something for everyone at venues across London such as the National Theatre.
London's green spaces
Central London boasts some of the finest parks and green spaces available in any city. Some are equipped with courts and pitches for sports, but all provide the opportunity to enjoy peace and tranquillity as a break from the bustle of the capital’s streets.
London attractions
It doesn't matter if it's your first time in London or not, you'll never run out of things to see and do.
Eating out
London's food culture is known the world over. Explore a choice of diverse cuisines at a range of prices when dining out.
I chose to study at UCL because, as a city university, it is surrounded by a hotbed of cultural activity.
Matthew Lord
History of Art BA
Get around with cheap and accessible travel
UCL is within walking distance of several major transport hubs making it easy to travel in and around the city, the wider UK, Europe and beyond.
London Transport Hubs
London also has excellent transport links to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond.
Major transport hubs local to the UCL Bloomsbury campus include:
- the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras International,
- King’s Cross and Euston stations, and
- coaches to national and international destinations can be picked up from several London transport hubs.
All major airports are within easy reach.
Cheap travel for students
As a student, you are eligible for 30% off all adult travelcards and bus passes valid for a week or more.
Cycling and walking are cheap and healthy. Use London's network of cycle routes plus the Cycle Hire scheme.
Travelling by car can be slow
We do not recommend that you bring a car to London, as the roads can be very congested and it is usually quicker to get to where you want to go using public transport.
As a driver in central London you will also be subject to the congestion charge.