You get a global student hub where whatever your interest, there is a scene, society or club for it. Add world-class free museums and unmatched connections, and it is hard to be bored.

• UCL, King's, Imperial, LSE and Queen Mary make it a global student hub.
• The British Museum, Tate Modern and the V&A are world-class and free.
• Every interest has a scene, society or venue somewhere in the city.

Nightlife spreads across the city, from Shoreditch and Camden to Peckham and Brixton, alongside union nights and the West End. In a city this big, it helps to have a way in.

• Nightlife spreads across Shoreditch, Camden, Peckham and Brixton.
• Union nights, warehouse parties and the West End all coexist.
• The Studcasa London group helps you find your people in a city this big.

London is the UK's most expensive city and rent will dominate your budget, so plan carefully. The good news is that culture can be nearly free.

• Budget realistically GBP 1,300-2,200 a month, with a room alone often GBP 900-1,200.
• An 18+ Student Oyster photocard gives 30% off Travelcards and Bus passes.
• Free museums, parks and cheap theatre day-seats keep culture affordable.

Zones 2 and 3 balance cost and commute, and almost everyone shares. Protect yourself by viewing first and checking the deposit is protected.

• Zones 2-3 (New Cross, Mile End, Walthamstow, Peckham) balance cost and commute.
• Expect to share; SpareRoom and the Studcasa London group are your best tools.
• Never pay a deposit before viewing, and check the landlord protects it in a scheme.

The transport network is vast and integrated, with fare caps that reward heavy use. A student Oyster and a good app make it manageable.

• The Tube, buses, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR all take contactless with daily and weekly caps.
• Get an 18+ Student Oyster for cheaper travel; Citymapper plans every route.
• Santander Cycles are handy for short central hops.

London hosts a huge range of universities, many world-leading. The academic year typically runs across three terms.

• UCL, King's College London, Imperial, LSE, Queen Mary and many more host exchange students.
• Terms usually run late September to June.

Since Brexit, EU citizens no longer have free movement, so most non-Irish students need permission to study. For an exchange of up to six months you can often come under the Short-term study route or simply as a Standard Visitor, depending on your nationality and course length. For a full year you will need a Student visa sponsored by your host university.

What applies depends entirely on your passport, so confirm with the university and official UK government guidance early. The Student visa needs a CAS reference from your uni, proof of funds and usually the immigration health surcharge, so budget both time and money for it.

• Exchange under 6 months, often Standard Visitor or Short-term study
• Full year, Student visa with a CAS from your uni
• Irish citizens, no visa needed under the Common Travel Area
• Budget for the immigration health surcharge on longer visas

You can eat your way around the world here, often most cheaply in the outer boroughs. The cultural calendar never really stops.

• Borough Market, Brick Lane (curries and 24-hour bagels) and Chinatown are food essentials.
• Every world cuisine is here, frequently cheapest in the outer boroughs.
• Notting Hill Carnival each August is Europe's biggest street party.

Each compass point of London has its own character and price. The real texture of the city lives in its neighbourhoods, not zone 1.

• East (Shoreditch, Hackney) for nightlife and creativity.
• South (Brixton, Peckham, Clapham) for a younger, cheaper mix.
• North (Camden, Islington) for markets and music.

Historic cities and the coast are an hour away, and the Eurostar puts the Continent within reach. It is one of the easiest bases for weekend travel in Europe.

• Brighton, Oxford and Cambridge are all about 1 hour by train.
• Eurostar from St Pancras reaches Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam in about 2.5-4 hours.
• Windsor, Bath and the coast make easy day trips.

London eats budgets faster than anywhere in the UK, so track spending from day one. Explore beyond the centre to find its real character.

• Track your spending, as London drains budgets faster than anywhere in the UK.
• Always tap the same card or device to avoid paying twice on TfL.
• Explore beyond zone 1; the real character is in the neighbourhoods.