London universities attract some students, and the capital is home to more universities than any other UK city. With institutions of all sizes, locations, and academic disciplines, how do you begin to decide which one is right for you? Ranking tables might give you a good idea of academic strength, but they only tell one side of the story. They can't tell you whether you'll fit in, feel supported, or reach the goals you came with. In this guide, we'll walk through the kinds of universities London offers – and explore why a smaller, community-focused university like St Mary's might be the right fit.
How many universities are in London, and how do they compare?
There are more than 40 universities and higher education institutions across London, covering nearly every academic discipline. Here are the main types of institutions you'll find in the capital.
Large, research-intensive universities
These internationally recognised institutions are typically based in central London and often have tens of thousands of students. They tend to suit applicants who want global brand recognition, are comfortable in a busy central location, and don't mind being one of many thousands on their course.
Federated universities
Several London institutions sit under the historic University of London umbrella. Its 17 member colleges operate independently, each with its own curricula, campuses, and student communities.
Specialist institutions
Some universities in London specialise in a single discipline, such as arts, music, or veterinary science. These can be a great fit if you have a clear sense of the career you want to pursue from day one – though they offer fewer alternative routes if your interests shift along the way.
Community-focused universities
London also has smaller, community-focused universities. These are typically campus-based, where students study, stay, eat, and socialise on site. The smaller cohorts and campus lifestyle create a close community, where everyone knows each other and feels safe and supported.
St Mary's University falls within this category, with around 6,000 students set on a leafy green campus in Twickenham, within one of London's safest boroughs. The smaller scale means tutors know students by name, and the focus stays on developing you as an individual.
Are London universities expensive?
London universities aren't any more expensive than elsewhere in England. Tuition fees are capped nationally, so the cost is broadly similar wherever you study. For , fees are capped at £9,790 for full-time courses (£11,750 for accelerated courses), and £7,335 for part-time programmes.
The real London premium is the cost of living. Rent and transport are high in the capital compared to other UK cities, and the more central you are, the more you'll pay. St Mary's offers good-value right on site. And because Twickenham sits outside central London, students who choose to live nearby often find rent and travel costs noticeably lower than they'd be in a more central location.
Why choose a smaller university over a large one?
When you're choosing a university in London, larger institutions offer scale, global brand recognition, and breadth of subjects. Smaller universities like St Mary's offer a community where students are known, supported, and given the room to figure out where they want to go.
You're known by name, not student number
A smaller cohort means lecturers get to know students individually, including their strengths, their interests, and where they want to take their degree. Socially, it works the same way. Students get to know each other more easily, which builds stronger friendships and wider support networks. That sense of being known, both academically and socially, helped earn us Gold for student experience in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework.
Academic support that actually shows up
Closer relationships with lecturers mean better support when you need it. Smaller institutions like St Mary's offer genuinely accessible academic teams, with real office hours, one-to-one support, and feedback you can actually act on. We're proud to be rated 2nd in London for academic support in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025.
Teaching quality you can feel in the room
At a smaller university, you experience teaching quality more directly: smaller cohorts mean lectures and seminars are more interactive, with more room to ask questions, contribute your own thinking, and dig into the material.
At St Mary's, our focus on teaching quality runs particularly deep. The university was founded in 1850 to train teachers, and 175 years on, the art of teaching is still central to what we do. Many courses are designed and taught by industry professionals, so what you study reflects how the field actually works, and the expertise you graduate with is grounded in real practice. The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 places us in the top 10 universities in the UK for teaching quality, and our initial teacher training provision is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
A community, not a commute
Campus-based universities offer a close-knit community feel. At St Mary's, our Twickenham campus puts everything you need within easy walking distance, surrounded by green space where you can focus on your studies away from the bustle of the city.
But what about London itself?
If a smaller community-focused university is what you're looking for, you may wonder why you’d come to London at all.
The opportunities, entertainment, and cultural life London offers are genuinely unmatched in the UK. The beauty of a university like St Mary's is that you can tap into all of that when you want it, while still having a focused space to learn and live the rest of the time.
At our Twickenham campus, you'll find plenty of open green space where you can reflect and focus when you need to. Everything is within easy walking distance and self-contained, which takes the stress out of daily university life. Richmond upon Thames, where our campus sits, is consistently rated one of London's safest boroughs. Historic Strawberry Hill House sits on site, with Richmond Park and the River Thames just minutes away. And if you're into rugby, Twickenham Stadium is right on the doorstep. When you want the energy of central London, it's just 30 minutes away by train.
Will I actually get a job at the end?
The honest answer is yes. 96% of St Mary's graduates are in employment, a vocation, or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA, 2024).
Preparing you for work is built into our courses and into the wider culture at St Mary's. From day one, you'll gain real-world experience through embedded placements, live projects, and input from people working in the field. Many of our courses are taught by experienced practitioners with real credentials. On our Business Management course, for example, tutors bring experience from organisations like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and Chevron.
Our Employability Services team supports you throughout your time at St Mary's and beyond, with free one-to-one career advice, placement support, internships, and on-campus careers fairs.
Our London location helps too. Easy access to the city's organisations, facilities, and events means you can start building professional connections well before graduation day.
And the long view is just as strong. include Olympians, Oscar-nominated actors, award-winning broadcasters, and elite sports personalities, from Sir Mo Farah and Joe Wicks MBE to Pete Postlethwaite OBE and Ellie Kildunne.
Is St Mary's right for you?
London is a great place to study, with a wide choice of universities and courses. Each offers a different experience, so it's worth weighing up what's important to you. Do your research before making a decision: , read , attend , and explore social media. Make sure you have the full picture of what each university offers.
At St Mary's, you'll find a supportive London community where you're seen as an individual and prepared for work from day one, all set on a green campus where you can think and grow.
If that sounds like the kind of university experience you've been looking for, why not book an Open Day and see for yourself if St Mary's is right for you?