stuff on London for students

Everybody is so excited that I’m in London and starting my MA. Looking through my search results on my blog, I’ve seen that there are people looking for student advice in London. Here are some things you should know, whether you are a student or not.

1. The bloody weather: if it rains, the rain is so cold that if you are half protected by umbrella and coat, your jeans will definetely get wet. I was caught by rain and got soaked up, despite having rain shoes (tested already in Berlin), rain coat, winter jeans. If it doesn’t rain, it’s the wind. It literally messes up your life. I went to Tate Modern and I had lots of clothes on me and I was cold because of the wind. Actually, I caught a cold as now I am in bed sneezing. Do not ever under estimate the weather in the country you’re gonna live in. I love cold weather but the London cold wind gets into your bones. Although I have winter clothes with me, now I must invest money  in heat tech and waterproof clothing in order not to get really sick.
2. Transportation costs: I bought the most expensive bus ticket in my entire life. 2 pounds!!!!! The transportation is great in London except the south where you have only trains, buses, a few overground and underground stations and this is it. There are large areas in the south of London where you can only get by bus. I’m focusing on the south as my school is there and I must find a home around the school, with good transportation. Be prepared as a student to pay full price until you get your student card from the uni. Buy an Oyster card as you have discounted transportation fees.
3. Home: unless you are lucky to get a room in student house, you must look on Gumtree (best solution until now) and choose adverts with pictures. Be careful to “amazing room in lovely house”. Nothing amazing, quite filthy and incredible small rooms Be careful to the areas you choose to live in, to the landlord, to the people staying in the house. Best checking: bathroom and kitchen as these are areas to be used by everybody in the house. DO not pay in advance without having a contract signed. Do not give your card details without having a contract signed. Be just careful and with your eyes wide open as you are not at home and nobody can save you. Superman doesn’t exist.

I’ll keep these posts coming as some of you wish to know how to apply and what to write in your applications.

PS: get used to rain. Literally.