Why study in London – benefits and prospects for international students

1. London possesses great educational history and environment

Just under half (47%) of all local government spending in the capital goes on education. London has been named as the Best Student City in 2022 by QS Best Student Cities ranking. It was the Best Student city in 2018 and 2019 (There was no ranking conducted in 2020 and 2021). The ranking considered factors including affordability, desirability and the opinions of current students and London scored 100 out of 100.

It is a diverse, welcoming, vibrant international city. Almost 30% of London’s student population is international, coming from more than 200 countries. Of the overseas students in London, 32% were from Other EU countries and 68% were from Non-EU countries (source: London Higher).

London has one of the highest concentrations of elite universities, with about 40 institutions packed into the capital city and 2 of these are in the top 10 of the QS World University Ranking 2022.

London universities produce 130,000 skilled graduates every year, nearly 70% of who work in London. (Source: London Higher). The city is known as a global centre for academic excellence, having produced more than 70 Nobel Prize winners. Some of the most ground-breaking discoveries in Science and Medicine have been made at London universities, such as DNA, penicillin and fingerprints.

London is home to more than 800 bookshops and over 325 public libraries with impressive book collections and stunning architecture, such as the Senate House, the National Art Library and the British Library, a gorgeous building which boasts the largest collection of books and recordings in the world. The British Library has some rare items, such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebook, an original handwritten copy of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and the Magna Carta.

The educational tradition and excellence in London is truly second to none. The quality of education has been passed generation to generation to teachers, academic staff, departments, course developers, regulators, and people over hundreds of years and established London as an excellent centre for education. The London environment presents an unrivalled platform to excel and to go above and beyond in academic accomplishments by any student from any country.

2. London offers potentials and prospects for career and professional development

London is known as one of the world’s financial capitals, right in the heart of everything, London is home to the world’s biggest tech, media and financial firms and 75% of Fortune 500 companies have offices in London. London is the leading European hub for finance and technology with thriving economy. London’s friendly and welcoming locals, supportive government policies and a global network of businesses and entrepreneurs are second to none to open career potential. Business incubators including Accelerator and Google Campus are based in London which run events and provide office space for students and young entrepreneurs.

London is indeed a global hub for many leading industries with multi-national companies actively recruiting graduates from the city. With the availability of the post-study work and skilled worker visa, London-based international graduates are well-placed to gain access to global employment opportunities at leading companies after they graduate.

3. London offers unlimited student jobs

There are unlimited student jobs available in London, almost all sectors employ students. The jobs are of different types and categories and hence students have choices and options to choose the one that is convenient and satisfactory for them. International students can work part-time during academic term and take full-time position during holiday period.

4. London university campuses are free of politics, violence, social and racial discrimination

London university campuses are free from local/national politics and there is no bias/influence on universities from anyone, any group or party. There is no social or political violence in campuses. Campuses do not remain closed due to strikes by political parties or groups.

All students, UK or International enjoy equal opportunity in every aspect of their university life and there is no gender, colour, racial or any other discrimination at any point in any form. The educational environments are set in such way so that students can use their full potential and thrive in their mission without fear and tear.

5. London gives international exposures

Many of the world’s top educationalists, scientists, artists, engineers, doctors, writers, business professionals, sport personalities, musicians, film stars and other professionals famous in their professions live in London. It is home for many international venues, events, conferences, international sites and platforms for business and international political meetings. You will be exposed to this abundance of London while studying here. You will have opportunities to see these in person and create links or make connections with internally famous personalities of different fields.

6. London provides high-standard student life

London tops the list of the most sustainable cities. “London’s economic diversity, multi-culturalism, world-class education system and abundance of good quality green space has propelled the capital to the top spot’’ (source: The Planetary Press).

The city offers world famous health services, avails top fashion and style items, distributes high quality foods of the world, provides the best but affordable commuting and communication systems, maintains steady economy, serves well maintained housing, street traffic management systems and all time presence of police to prevent crime and give safety. You will live a high-standard student life in London as you will receive some of the best quality products and services of the world in London.

7. London offers world-leading transport systems

London is well-connected with other parts of the country and Europe through world’s leading transport systems. You’ll benefit from excellent transport links across the UK and beyond, with five major international airports – you can travel almost anywhere from London. With public buses, bikes, trains and the Tube, it couldn’t be easier to travel around London – and students get 30% discount in most of the public transport.

8. London offers multicultural and diverse environment

Named one of the world’s most multicultural cities by Lonely Planet, London is a melting pot of cultures. Thousands gather throughout the city to celebrate diversity at events like Chinese New Year, the Notting Hill Carnival, Baishakhi Mela and Africa on the Square. Religious festival like Eid, Christmas, Diwali are cultural highlights across the city. People in the city live in harmony and have high respect of each other.

You will see almost every national of the world living in London and they have brought their own country in the London area they live. London has so much diversity that irrespective of the country you are from, you will find your own big community to get a touch of your home country in London. You will have no shortage of halal foods, vegetarian foods, chicken tikka masala, Peshwari biriani, Turkish Kebab, Italian Pizza, Chinese noodles, Japanese sushi, Mexican curry just to name a few. Likewise, there are numerous mosques, churches, temples and other religious gathering places in every corner of London.

By living in this multicultural and diverse society, you will be able to enrich your people experience, learn to be tolerant and respectful with others and you will develop as the citizen of the World.

There are many other benefits of London Study and reasons for studying in London as an international student. The above highlights the key benefits international students can reap and seize the great opportunity of studying in London.

To enrich your knowledge more, check our blog ‘Why study in the UK?’