Deborah Sterescu, an MA International Journalism student at City University, describes student life in north London.

Studying in London

Whether you are an international student or a local Londoner, studying at City University can be an amazing experience. As one of the most expensive cities in the world, London can be a challenge, but balancing work and play is what being a student is all about.

City’s campus is divided across Islington, north London, with the main buildings located in Northampton Square – a ten-minute walk from Angel or Farringdon tube stations and minutes from the hustle and bustle of a hip and trendy area for youngsters.

Small boutiques and designer stores pepper the surrounding areas of the university; to the south is Clerkenwell and to the west is Shoreditch. Lined with artsy shops, newsagents, popular bars and outdoor cafes, these areas are somewhat cheaper than the rest of London. Many shops also offer student discounts. Camden market is not too far off either, where you can find cheap eats and funky vintage clothing.

Northampton Square, located on St Johns Road and across from Exmouth market, is rather picturesque. Save for some odd local punters hanging around, you’ll mainly find students and young professionals travelling on the side streets close to the school. But as soon as you hop on a bus from St Johns or walk down Old Street, you will find yourself smack in the centre of London. You can reach Piccadilly in a matter of 20 minutes. You’re also a short bus or tube ride away from Covent Garden, Oxford Street and Caranaby Street house, where you will find some of the most famous stores in Europe.

Angel and Farringdon stations are in Zone 1, but purchasing a yearly or monthly Oyster Card could be a waste of money, depending on how much you are going to travel. A yearly pass for students fares just under £700 from Zone 1-2, and this price varies depending on the number of zones you travel across. If you live off campus, then an Oyster card is really the only way to go, unless you want to dig a hole in your wallet.

With expenses stacking up daily, from tube passes and mobile phone bills to rent, you will definitely find yourself pinching pennies. There are certainly ways of budgeting your money, especially if you stay near campus, as parts of Islington tend to be more reasonable than the rest of London.

There is a Sainsbury’s, a Tesco, and a Woolworth’s within a ten minute walk of the main campus for those looking for a bargain. Rest assured, you will save lots of cash if you opt for the less glamorous practice of weekly grocery shopping instead of dining out every night in London’s feast of ethnic restaurants.

If you feel like grabbing a bite to eat on campus, you should avoid the cafeteria food, as Upper Crust baguettes and burgers with chips can add up after a while (in more ways than one). Choose the local sandwich shop in Northampton Square. A sweet couple runs the shop and they produce deliciously toasted sandwiches with coffee or any drink for less than three quid. You simply cannot beat it.

Another café two steps from the main campus is Dino’s Italian Sandwich Bar, where you can have a snack at a cheap fare. Munch on some crisps, eat a delightful Italian pizza, or have a cappuccino on the shop’s garden deck (rather hidden in the back of the store).

Queen of Boadicea, known to many at City as “The Queen”, is the local hangout for students, especially those in postgraduate courses. Tutors can often be seen there with students, drinking a pint or sitting on the comfortable leather couches. The pub offers specials for its lunchtime meals, which are tasty and filling. The drinks are reasonably priced too, about three quid for a pint.

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