In this article, St Mary’s student Olivia shares why she chose to study in London, and her advice for finding the right path for you.
It’s no secret that the search for a university is a long process. I mean, researching programmes, figuring out entry requirements, touring schools, and finishing your current studies is a lot to handle!
I never had that ‘dream school’ they talk about in films, though it seemed many of my friends did. For me, ‘the future’ was open-ended, and I could feel the weight of it pressing against me during my senior year of high school. Without a specific school to shoot for, my university planning process focused on something else: location.
My parents and I recognised that university years are so much more than just studying. It’s also a time for growth, exploring, and making memories. I knew I wanted a place that I would love outside of educational hours. So, after touring schools in both America and the UK, I chose to study in London. I'm now well into the second semester of my first year, and I can honestly say, I'm happy with my choice.
Whether you’ve already started looking at universities in London, or you’re only just considering the capital as a place to study, here are my five reasons why you should study in London – and why St Mary’s could be the right fit for you.
5 reasons to study in London for your degree
1. Diversity
To start off strong, London is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity. Your university years are some of the most impressionable and formative years of your life, so it's the perfect time to learn about other cultures.
From meeting new friends to attending cultural festivals and trying international cuisine, London offers countless opportunities to get a first-hand taste of other cultures.
During my first year alone, I've already met people from all around the world. Some of my closest friends have grown up in Brazil, Finland and Germany, and we often talk about each other's different traditions and lifestyles. These new perspectives are powerful, and it leaves you in awe of the world’s diversity.
The capital is also a popular choice for international students. As an myself, it's been great to grow closer to others on the same journey as me. Moving to another country has not been easy at times – some moments feel unsettling, but going through these changes together, eases any pressures and fears.
2. Cultural hotspot
Thanks to the rich diversity and history, London is a real cultural hotspot. It's home to hundreds of museums, ranging in topics from science and history to the arts. And we can’t forget about the dozens of iconic landmarks dotted around the city.
As a student, access to a strong art scene was an important factor in my university decision. I wanted to be able to engage with different forms of artwork, as that might inspire my own work. Now, I have easy access to London’s various art exhibits, like the V&A or the National Gallery, and the city’s strong theatre culture.
As well as taking advantage of this in my own time, my lectures will often incorporate visits to museums and galleries into the curriculum, giving us a unique first-hand experience that enhances our studies. This semester, I'm also taking a course called 'London Theatre', where we travel to different London theatre venues each week.
3. Networking and career opportunities
London is a hub for a wide range of industries, giving you the chance to connect with and learn from professionals in your chosen field.
To help you make the most of the career opportunities in London, St Mary’s offers to all students, for life. The Careers team can help you find part-time jobs, work placements, and internships during your studies.
There are also often expert talks and lectures open to the public held around the city. I went to a showing of Apocalypse Now at the Cine Lumiere. Professor Agnieszka Adamowicz-Pośpiech of the University of Silesia, Poland, introduced the film. She spoke about the themes and historical relevance of the film. I enjoyed gaining this insight as I'm interested in pursuing a career in film myself.
4. Great public transportation
Studying in London, you don't have to worry about driving, as the city has an excellent public transport network.
Between the Tube, Overground, National Rail service, and buses, London has plenty of options. Using public transport may seem overwhelming at first, but it's easy once you to get the hang of it – and soon, the whole city is at your fingertips. As a student, you may be eligible for the , saving you ⅓ on most rail fares throughout the UK.
Public transport is very accessible from St Mary’s. The campus is a 10-minute walk from Strawberry Hill Station, which offers a 40-minute train ride to Waterloo. The university is also on the 33 bus route, convenient for trips to neighbouring towns, including Richmond, which offers access to the Underground.
5. Abundant green space
In a city full of so much hustle and bustle, sometimes we all need a bit of a break. Fortunately, London is also home to plenty of green space. From the vast Royal Parks to smaller local gardens, there's an abundance of nature within the city.
St Mary’s itself is only a bus ride away from Richmond Park and Bushy Park. There's also the riverfront park, Radnor Gardens, only a ten-minute walk from campus. This is one of my favourite local spots – the willow trees are stunning, and there's a café if you want to grab a treat.
The nearby parks are great places for walking and running, and my friends and I are looking forward to having picnics there in the spring. As this is my first full year in London, I have loved watching the parks change throughout the seasons. The green space offers the perfect peaceful spot within the lively city.
Choosing your university in London
Once I had decided on moving to London from the United States, I had to choose a university here. There are two main reasons why I decided St Mary's was right for me.
1. Campus size
With a student population of just 6,000 students, St Mary's University offers a true sense of community within the large city of London.
To foster this community, the university offers many ways to get involved with campus life. From sports teams to cultural and academic societies, there's something for every student. I'm a part of the Creative Writing and Humanities, and Liberal Arts societies.
I find that the sense of community is also present on the academic side. For example, each student has a personal tutor for the duration of their degree. This is a great way to get personalised feedback and build a relationship with someone who is invested in your success. The smaller student population also allows more opportunities to talk to your lecturers. It may sound insignificant, but I love that my teachers all know my name!
As an international student, being able to feel part of a community was something that greatly influenced my decision. Fortunately, I've found it easy to get involved on campus and in the classroom.
2. Location in London
Twickenham is just 30 minutes from central London, giving you easy access to the city without the constant hustle. If you’ve never lived in London before, you might not realise how valuable it is to have that balance between both.
The immediate surrounding areas are still full of things to do. Twickenham and Teddington, both within walking distance from campus, are home to shops, restaurants, and historic sites. I often walk there to go for coffee or browse the charity shops. By bus, you have quick access to the shopping scene and parks of Richmond, as well as the nightlife of Kingston.
Especially convenient for international students, Heathrow airport is only 45 minutes away by bus.
A final word about studying in London
By studying in London, you can enhance your studies and career experience with access to thriving industries and cultural centres. Outside of academia, you have countless places to explore and make memories.
As a student at St Mary’s, you'll have a unique London experience. You get to learn and live in a close-knit community, while still having easy access to the great city of London.
If London feels like the right place for you, explore what St Mary’s has to offer. From and to and , with both undergraduate and postgraduate options, there’s a wide range of courses to choose from. St Mary’s is ranked among the safest universities in the country (Complete University Guide, 2024), and our is Gold-rated (Teaching Excellence Framework, 2023).