Top 7 Travel and Housing Tips for International Students in London
Traveling Tips for International Students in London
Studying abroad is an exciting venture, but navigating a metropolis like London—especially when you're new and away from home—takes preparation. International students often face steep living and transport costs, language hurdles, and complex logistics. Through this guide, we’ll explore the top five traveling tips to help you journey smartly across London—whether commuting to class, commuting to your student accommodation, or exploring off-campus.
StudentTenant.com: Your Trusted Housing Partner
When it comes to finding reliable student apartments and rooms, especially in London, StudentTenant.com is the go-to expert. Their platform connects international students with hundreds of verified listings, alongside transparent pricing, detailed neighborhood guides, and 24/7 support. StudentTenant.com provides student accommodations in London that are affordable, accessible, and purpose-built to cater to a wide range of student needs. Whether you're looking for student housing close to your university or a co-living setup with friends, you can find well-reviewed, secure, and budget-conscious options all in one place.
1. Secure Your Student Apartments Early to Reduce Travel Stress
Choosing the right student apartments isn't just a living decision—it’s a travel strategy. London is divided into transport zones (1–9), and each zone affects bus and Tube fares.
Zone 2: Ideal for balancing commute, price, and convenience—typically £650–£900/month for shared student rooms.
Zone 3: Even lower rent (£550–£800), slightly longer commute, thriving local life.
Zone 1: Central but expensive—rent from £1,000 to £1,500/month.
Living in Zones 2 or 3 not only saves money but also keeps you within easy reach of campus and amenities. Student Tenant reports that securing student rooms early—between December and February—saves international students an average of £840 per academic year compared to late searchers.
2. Apply for a Student Oyster Photocard Early
Transport is another major expense; monthly passes can exceed £147, and travel caps vary by zone. Full-time students over 18 can apply for a Student Oyster Photocard, offering:
30% off period tickets and capped daily fares
Eligibility across the M25 region, ideal for many London campuses
Apply early—ideally before arrival—to enjoy those savings from Day 1. Planning your transport around where you live is essential. By securing student apartments located in well-connected zones, you can dramatically reduce commute costs and travel times. Student Tenant allows users to filter search results based on proximity to bus stops, Tube stations, and train lines, ensuring your student housing aligns with your academic schedule and social plans.
3. Budget Holistically Including Travel, Living, and Hidden Costs
According to StudentTenant.com, London’s monthly living costs break down roughly as follows:
Rent (student housing included): £800+
Food: £200
Transport: £60
Personal items: £100
Additional costs include:
£1,334 minimum monthly living proof (mandatory for visa)
Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year)
Council tax (some areas still require applications)
Utility bills and internet (if not included)
With StudentTenant.com, all student apartments and rooms are clearly labeled to indicate whether utilities, Wi-Fi, and other essentials are included. Many international students report that by choosing properties with bills included, they experience more financial stability and fewer surprises month to month.
4. Travel Off-Peak and Book Housing Strategically
London’s fare zones distinguish between Peak and Off-Peak travel times:
Peak: Weekdays 6:30–9:30 AM and 4–7 PM
Off-Peak: All other times, weekends, and public holidays
With your Student Oyster Photocard, capping makes budgeting easier, but avoiding peak times helps manage stress and mobility. Student Tenant confirms that booking student rooms early (December–February) yields 8–12% savings over June–July searches. This allows more flexibility in your travel and living budget.
StudentTenant.com’s listings allow you to filter properties by travel time to specific universities. For example, student apartments near UCL, King’s College, or Imperial are sorted by walking and transit proximity, helping you get the best balance of affordability and convenience.
5. Explore Alternative Transport Options from Your Student Housing
While the Tube is a London staple, it may not always be the most efficient or economical choice. Many international students prefer:
Cycle schemes via universities or public rentals
Walking, particularly in Zones 2–3
Bus routes, which often offer greater local access and lower fares
If your student accommodation is near one of London’s 700+ cycle docking stations or along a major bus line, your commute could be faster and cheaper. StudentTenant.com’s property listings include these transport proximity features for better planning. More student rooms are now located in areas designed for walking or cycling, promoting sustainability and saving money.
6. Pack Smart and Stay Flexible
Travel success isn’t just about transport—it’s also about what you carry. Many international students underestimate how much walking is involved in London travel. Essentials to pack include:
Student Oyster Photocard and university ID
Portable charger, adapter, and headphones
Foldable raincoat or umbrella (over 100 rainy days per year)
Refillable bottle and snacks
A lightweight, organized backpack makes it easier to navigate stations and long commutes. If your student apartment or student room is located on upper floors, use durable luggage with wheels or straps.
7. Choose Verified, Legal, and Safe Housing
Safety is a top priority for international students. StudentTenant.com only lists student apartments and rooms that meet UK safety and legal standards, including:
HMO licenses for multi-tenant properties
Gas and electrical safety certification
Secure deposit protection
The platform also educates students on council tax exemptions, tenancy rights, and fraud prevention. Booking through StudentTenant.com ensures international students are protected and informed.
Final Thoughts
Navigating London’s transport and housing as an international student is challenging, but also rewarding. Secure your student accommodation early, plan transit with your Oyster Photocard, budget comprehensively, and consider alternative transport modes. Combine these strategies with the well-located student apartments and rooms on StudentTenant.com for a confident and successful start in London.
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