Whether you’re arriving for the first time or returning for another academic year, this guide is designed to help you navigate life as a student in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. From finding accommodation and accessing healthcare, to understanding transport options, managing finances, and exploring cultural opportunities, this page provides essential information to support your transition and make the most of your time in London. It includes practical advice tailored to international students studying at The Courtauld, with links to key resources and contacts for further support.
Accommodation
Utilities and TV Licence
Utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and WiFi may be arranged by your landlord or halls of residence. This varies, so confirm whether you need to set these up yourself. Utilities are usually included in halls of residence.
If you need to arrange energy supply, guidance is available here.
Water is supplied by a designated provider; find yours here.
For WiFi, TV, and phone services, setup and switching advice is available here.
A TV licence is required if anyone in your household watches live TV or uses BBC iPlayer. If you live in university halls, you’ll need a licence for your room. Shared areas may already be covered. Full details are available here.
Council Tax
Council tax is an annual fee paid to the local authority for services such as rubbish collection and libraries.
Students living in private accommodation are exempt from paying council tax. Whether you need to notify your council depends on your location. If you live in halls of residence, check whether the exemption is automatic or if you need to apply. Students in Duchy House or University of London Intercollegiate Halls may be contacted to confirm their student status.
If you live in private accommodation with other full-time students, you must inform your local council and apply for a council tax exemption. You can find your local council here. The council may request a Council Tax Exemption Letter, which you can obtain by emailing programme.administration@courtauld.ac.uk or visiting the Advice Desk.
If you live with someone who is not a student, they may be eligible for a single-person discount. More information is available here.
Healthcare
UKCISA is a valuable source of information relating to accessing healthcare as an international, including information on the Immigration Health Surcharge and services available as an international student.
Primary Care
If you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, you are entitled to use the NHS. Primary care is provided by a General Practitioner (GP) at a local practice. You can find your nearest GP here. The Courtauld has a relationship with Gower Street Practice for students living in its catchment area, but you may register with any eligible practice. GP appointments can be usually booked by phone or online; check your own GP’s procedure directly with them.
To find a dentist, visit this page. NHS dental services may require a contribution, but are more affordable than private dental care.
Pharmacies are able to offer basic medical advice and medication guidance. Information about pharmacy care can be found here.
Opticians provide eye tests and vision care; more info is https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/.
Emergency Care
In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999 for an ambulance.
For urgent but non-emergency medical help, dial 111 for advice, symptom checks, or service referrals. You can also visit Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments or Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs). This page outlines which urgent treatment option is most appropriate.
More information on accessing emergency medical care is available here.
Working on a Student Visa
UKCISA provides detailed information on working while studying – if you intend to work while studying please read these pages carefully.
Students on a visa may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Exceeding this limit may result in a breach of visa conditions, so it is important that you do not exceed this.
Courtauld semester dates are available here. Term time includes all academic activities, whether in-person or online. This UKCISA page explains the types of work permitted on a student visa.
Travel
Transport for London (TFL)
Transport for London manages the city’s public transport, including the Underground, buses, and roads.
You can pay for travel on a ‘Pay as you go’ basis using contactless cards, digital wallets, or Oyster cards. This is usually the most convenient and cost-effective method. Frequent travellers may benefit from TFL Travel Cards or Bus and Tram Passes.
Students can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard for 30% off Travelcards and season tickets. A Railcard offers a 1/3 discount on off-peak fares and can be linked to your Oyster card.
The Programme Administration team (programme.administration@courtauld.ac.uk) can provide proof of student status for Oyster and Railcards.
Non-TFL Travel
London is well-connected to the rest of the UK through an extensive rail network operated by various providers. You can purchase tickets across all providers using platforms like Trainline.
A Railcard offers a 1/3 discount on train travel and some TFL fares through the 16-25 and 26-30 Railcards. Mature students are also eligible for Railcards; more details are available here. If you commute regularly by train, you may wish to consider purchasing a Season Ticket.
Electric bikes (eBikes) are widely used in London and can be accessed via apps such as Lime, Santander Cycles, and Forest. Please review this TFL page for cycling safety tips and strongly consider wearing a helmet.
Nighttime Travel
London is generally safe at night, but it’s important to plan ahead as transport options may be more limited. If you know you’ll be travelling late, check last bus and tube times in advance. Always use licensed taxi services such as Uber or Bolt, or official black taxis and booked minicabs. Avoid unbooked minicabs.
Some Underground and Overground services operate on Friday and Saturday nights. Full details are available on the Night Tube page. Night buses run seven days a week; timetables can be found here.
TFL also provides general guidance on safe nighttime travel.
Culture
Museums, Galleries, Theatre and Music
Many museums and galleries in London offer free entry, and student discounts are often available for paid exhibitions.
The Art Fund offers an annual membership for £10, giving students free or discounted access to hundreds of cultural venues across the UK through their Student Art Pass.
Theatre and music venues offer various student schemes, including:
- National Theatre – 16-25 Tickets
- Royal Shakespeare Company – RSC £10 Tickets
- Barbican – Young Barbican
- Young Vic – Concessions
- Royal Ballet and Opera – Young RBO
- Royal Albert Hall – Under 30s Tickets
Student Discounts
Many restaurants and retailers offer student discounts. Some may ask you to verify your student status through apps like UniDays, while others may accept your Courtauld ID.
Safety in London
London is generally a safe city, but it’s important to follow basic safety principles as in any major capital. The Metropolitan Police provide comprehensive advice on staying safe, including tips for avoiding street robbery, pickpockets, and enjoying a safe night out. You can read their guidance here.
In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the police. For non-emergency police matters, dial 101.
