Living in London

Living and studying here is an experience unlike any other. With the best culture, entertainment and nightlife on your doorstep, one thing you can guarantee is that you’ll never be bored.

London is brimming with both history and innovation, and the Academy is situated at the heart of it all. Regent’s Park is just around the corner, and within walking distance are Wigmore Hall, Oxford Street, the theatres of the West End and the bars and restaurants of Soho. Jump on a Tube or a bus and in 20 minutes you can be enjoying the buzz of the South Bank or the eclectic mix of market stalls, food and live music in Camden.

Creative inspiration is everywhere. Take a break from your studies to see world-class soloists, bands, orchestras and singers performing in venues across London, or head to one of the city’s many theatres, galleries, clubs, bars, parks or museums.

Whatever your passions and interests, in London you’ll find somewhere to enjoy them and people to share them with.

How much will it cost to live in London?

This depends on many factors, including your own lifestyle. It’s impossible to put an exact figure on it, but here are some indicative costs based on two students.

You can read more about managing your money on our Fees and Funding pages.

Travel in London

Very few students are able to live within walking distance of the Academy, which is in central London.

Students who live in Central London will probably pay more for accommodation but less on transport. Students living further away will probably find cheaper accommodation but pay higher fares.

Transport for London (TfL) Oyster Cards can sometimes cut costs, depending on how often you travel and distance. Read more on the TfL website. All enrolled full-time students are eligible for a 30% reduction for weekly and monthly season tickets for tubes and buses.

Applications for Student Oyster photocards are made via the TfL website. You will need your Academy enrolment number (received after completing the enrolment process). The Registry team will verify your photocard application after you have enrolled.

Insurance

We strongly advise students to insure their possessions. The cost of premiums will vary according to the area in which you live, and also the value of the items to be insured. Extra premiums may be required for items such as computers, laptops or tablets, mobile phones and bicycles.

The Academy does not arrange insurance for students, though the Student Union can help with advice. To give you an idea of the kind of premium you might pay for your general belongings, you can get a quote from specialist student insurers, Endsleigh. Endsleigh can insure for proportionate reimbursement of your prepaid course fees if you have to cancel your course, cut it short or repeat it due to accident or sickness of yourself or a close relative.

For insuring an instrument, you can use a specialist musical instrument insurer such as Allianz.

TIPS

• Don’t forget the cost of musical instrument insurance and maintenance. These are not everyday expenses, but should be factored into your budget.
• If you're an international student, remember to budget for flights home, the cost of visas and the immigration health surcharge.