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Archive for May, 2023

6 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Moving to London from a Rural Area

By UCL Faculty of Arts & Humanities, on 29 May 2023

UCL student Catrin Manning shares 6 things you need to know before moving to London coming from the UK countryside.

So you did it! You moved to the big smoke. You might find it different to your old life in the countryside, so here are some must-knows before embarking on your new big adventure!

  1. Set a budget (and stick to it!)

One of the most important tasks you should do when moving to London as a student is set your budget. London can be an expensive city, especially when you’re used to living in the countryside. Calculate how much you can spend each week, and stick to it!

  1. Student discounts

Ahh student life. That means one thing; student discounts galore! Be sure to sign up to Unidays or Student Beans to get some serious savings on your spending. There are so many discounts to be had, everything from discounts on your favourite brands to 2 for 1 drinks. You can even get a student discount on the Tube! (Just be sure to link your railcard to your oyster card).

  1. How to Save on Food Shopping

Shopping in discount supermarkets such as Aldi or Lidl can be a lot cheaper than the big brands, and can save you some serious cash. Shopping around the end of the day can also save you some money since supermarkets tend to reduce their prices around this time. Some supermarkets, such as Morrisons also offer a 10% discount for students.

  1. Join a Club or Society

Student life doesn’t last forever, so make the most of it! Joining a club or society is a great way to try out a new activity and make new friends at the same time. It’s a win win! Be sure to attend the welcome fair at the start of term. It’ll give you the opportunity to talk with students from different clubs and societies, as well as find out about the various services UCL has to offer, such as UCL Careers or Mental Health services.

  1. Making Friends within your studies

Going to your first class can be daunting, but don’t be afraid to talk to people, especially in Arts and Humanities where most class sizes are small. Everyone there will be in the same boat, and will be glad if someone else makes the first contact. Your classes will seem much less scary if there are friendly faces waiting for you! Take some time to explore the many study spots around campus together, or create a study group. This might help you fill any gaps in your knowledge, to help you improve your grades.

  1. Get Out There and Explore the city

This one may seem obvious, but so many students don’t realise just how much there is right on their doorstep. Coming from a rural area, you might not be used to the idea of having so much to do, so close to home. Get out of the house and see what’s around. Take a trip up to Hampstead Heath, or challenge your new friends to a round of mini golf at Junkyard in Shoreditch. If your Instagram is all about food pics, then take advantage of all the weird and wonderful food places all across the city. Try Dans le Noir for a dining experience in the dark, or Beigel Bake for the best salt beef bagels in town. Temple of Seitan is a great place for all you vegans!