North London
Hampstead
If you’re considering moving to London for university, the first things that spring to mind are probably the famous landmarks — Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard. Maybe it’s the attractions like the London Eye, London Zoo or Madame Tussauds.
But you’ll probably also picture London’s transport systems. Those iconic Routemaster double-decker buses, the black cabs and, of course, the London Underground — the oldest underground railway in the world. If you've ever visited London, you'll have seen the souvenir shops selling fridge magnets with buses, phone boxes, and replica tube station signs.
You'll also know that it can be a bit tricky to get to grips with London's transport systems at first. If you're heading to London for university, learning how to get around is pretty vital (if you want to get from your student accommodation to your lectures on time!). There's a fair bit to get to know, from the underground and national rail services to buses, trams, cabs and even boat services.
Luckily, you're in the right place. This guide has everything that you need to get around, explore London and save money.
Ready to learn how to get around London like a proper Londoner?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of getting around London, it’s handy to get to grips with the different types of public transport in the city. Once you’ve settled into living in London as a student, you’ll get into a routine of using certain routes, but when you first arrive, it’s handy to know all of your options.
Knowing your options will not only help you get to class quicker but it’ll also find the best ways to explore different parts of London (and there are a lot).
Let’s dive in.
No surprise that the London Underground is top of our list. Affectionately known as “the Tube”, the London Underground is London’s subway system that spans 11 lines with over 270 stations that cover over 400km. The Tube is iconic, and around five million people use it every single day.
The colour-coded lines, easy-to-read maps, and apps (more on this later) make using the tube pretty easy for newcomers. It’s probably the quickest way to get around London, but peak hours can be pretty crowded, so try to plan your trips accordingly.
After a couple of weeks or even days in London, you’ll learn the best times to travel to avoid crowds and find shortcuts. One of the best things about the Tube is that it’s a great place to catch up on reading and listen to lectures (or your favourite podcast) — just remember your headphones!
Next up, the famous London buses. The red double-decker buses of London aren’t just iconic — they’re a great way to get around. Buses cover routes that the Tube doesn't reach, and they're great for both short hops and longer journeys.
The best part? They offer views of London’s streets like no other, especially from the top deck. They also run around the clock on key routes, making them a good option after long nights in the library or out with friends.
Using the buses is pretty straightforward and budget-friendly. With an Oyster card or contactless payment, you just tap and go. Plus, with a student Oyster, you can travel all day on different buses for only £5.25.
London's black cabs are almost as iconic as the Underground and London buses. Known for the expertise of their drivers, black cabs can be a lifesaver when you're late or travelling to harder-to-reach areas. While they can be pretty pricey, they’re very convenient and reliable.
For a more budget-friendly option, ride-sharing apps like Uber are a popular choice for students. These services are perfect for late-night journeys or when you're travelling in a group. Whenever you use a taxi service in London, make sure you’re using a legitimate service and that the fare is agreed before you set off.
London’s not really known for its tram service, but if you’re ever in South London, they’re a great way to get around. London trams offer a (usually) quieter way to get around and run between Wimbledon in South-west London and Beckenham in South-east London.
Trams provide a more laid-back way of travelling, ideal for days when you're exploring and not in a rush. They're perfect for trips to local markets or parks and give you a chance to see a different side of London life.
While a lot of newcomers think about a trip down the Thames, a lot don’t realise you can do it without spending a lot. Transport for London’s river service runs from Hampton Court to Barking Riverside and runs all the way through the heart of London.
It offers a nice alternative to the busy streets and crowded Tubes. River services are ideal for occasional journeys, especially if you're travelling to places like Greenwich or the O2. They might not be part of your daily commute, but they're great for more leisurely days when you’ve got time to relax and enjoy the journey.
While there’s so much to do in London that you’ll always have something new to do, if you ever fancy exploring more of the UK, you’ll probably need to use National Rail services. National Rail services connect London to the rest of the UK, making them ideal for weekend getaways or visiting friends at other universities.
They run from a range of stations in London, including King’s Cross, Euston, Liverpool Street and Paddington and go to pretty much every corner of the UK. Plus, they’re pretty quick. If you fancy a day trip to Oxford, you can get from Paddington station to the heart of Oxford in less than an hour! If you’re planning on exploring the UK by train, be sure to get a railcard, as this can get you up to 30% off ticket prices.
If you’re looking for a cheaper way to explore the rest of the UK from London, coaches are your best bet. With companies like National Express and Megabus, you can travel to various cities without denting your budget. While slower than trains, the savings can make up for the extra travel time.
Most coach services from London leave from Victoria coach station and you can catch a coach to pretty much anywhere in the UK. Plus, if you book in advance, you can travel for even less. Just be sure to take some entertainment and snacks with you.
That pretty much covers the different ways to get around London and beyond on public transport. As you get to know London, you’ll find your favourite ways to get around and probably have a favourite underground line (the new Elizabeth line is 👌).
But to get you off on the right foot, here are some helpful points that’ll help you save money, get around quicker and not feel lost getting around London.
A student Oyster card is an absolute must-have for students in London as it makes getting around a lot cheaper. It gives you 30% off on public transport, and you can apply for one as soon as you’re enrolled at your university.
To get a student card, you’ll need:
A student Oyster costs £20, but it’s valid for all the time you’re studying, so it quickly pays for itself.
If you’re planning on exploring London and the UK, travelling off-peak is the smart way to do it. Not only will you avoid crowds, but you’ll also save a lot of money. Lower fares apply during specific times on weekdays and all day on weekends and public/bank holidays. Going off-peak is a win-win. You save money, and you’ll definitely get a seat.
Off-peak travel times vary depending on the service you’re using, but generally follow these timings:
Be sure to check the times before travelling.
Years ago you could spot newcomers to London pretty easily as they’d be standing tracing underground lines on a map. Luckily, it’s a lot easier to work out where you’re going nowadays — just use an app.
A travel app makes getting around London and exploring new areas a doddle. You’ll get real-time updates, route planning, and disruption alerts, making apps like Citymapper or Google Maps indispensable. They can also help you find the quickest or cheapest routes, which is always handy for students.
(This one might not seem all that important, but trust us, it is.)
In London, standing on the right on Tube escalators is a must. There are signs that state this, but they’re easy to miss, and the last thing you want to do is hold up loads of people on their way to work who haven’t had their first cup of coffee yet.
The idea behind it is to keep traffic flowing and let those in a hurry pass on the left. After a few trips on the Tube, it’ll become second nature to stand on the right, but try to remind yourself when you’re starting out.
There’s nothing quite like exploring London, but when you’re living in the city, you want to be close to places you go to a lot. For students, that means being close to your university. Being close to campus can make a world of difference.
It saves time and money on daily travel, giving you more freedom to enjoy student life. Plus, being near campus keeps you connected with university events and social circles. When you’re planning your move to London, try to find student accommodation close to your university. Heading to University College London? Look for student accommodation in Euston or Bloomsbury.
Living close to your university makes a massive difference. Not only does it save on travel costs, but it gives you a lot more flexibility and more time to study, socialise and sleep.
We've covered quite a bit in this guide, but when it comes to getting around London, there's no substitute for experience. When you move to London, don't waste any time when you arrive.
Jump on the tube and start exploring.
Sure, you might get a bit lost, but with your underground app and the stuff you've learned in this guide, you'll be back on the right route in no time.
At StudentStudios2Let, we specialise in private student accommodation for students from a range of London Universities. We have accommodation available in seven lovely areas in and around Central London, and all of our options come with everything students need:
If you’re moving to London to study soon and need somewhere to call home, check out our London student accommodation options today. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us, and we’ll do everything we can to help.
