London is one of the most exciting cities in the world to live. As a student you will be able to sample the best of what London has to offer with discounts on travel, tourist attractions and entertainment.
Budgeting
Whether you are living away from home for the first time, returning to study, or juggling university with family life, it is really important to plan your finances and budget carefully to make sure that the funds available to you last throughout the year.
Living costs will vary depending on individual lifestyle choices and we recommend that all prospective and current students build an online budget plan using sites like MoneySavingExpert or MoneyHelper. As well as the usual day to day costs such as rent, bills, food, travel, books and course equipment, mobile phone, clothes and entertainment, remember to also budget for your initial arrival and one-off costs such as moving house and graduation.
International students
If you require a visa to study in the UK, you will need to demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
We recommend that all international students build an online budget plan using sites like MoneySavingExpert or MoneyHelper. For more information and advice for international students please visit our EU and International Student Support page.
Part-time work
One of the advantages of being in London is that there are plenty of part-time work opportunities available. Students can find work in the many bars, cafes and shops nearby. If you have other specialist skills, there is a wide variety of temporary and part time jobs you could apply for.
Our courses require intensive full-time study and many incorporate placements. Please take this into account when you are calculating how many hours you will be able to work during term time. If you are studying Medicine, remember that the holiday periods are reduced during the clinical years of the course.
Student discounts
Full time students can get 30% off the price of adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets. Apply online at the Transport for London website. Please register using your seven-digit St George’s student number.
Applications will need to be approved by St George’s once you are fully registered and enrolled on your full-time course. Transport for London will send you the photocard once your application is approved.
16-25 Railcard (also available to full time students aged over 25)
The 16-25 Railcard will get you a third off a wide range of UK train tickets. They have also teamed up with several partners so you can save on things like dining out, theatre tickets, gym membership, and much more.
You can also link your 16-25 Railcard with your Oyster to save money on single off-peak pay as you go fares on the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway. Visit their FAQs page for full details.
TOTUM gives you access to lots of great discounts, both online and in-store, right across the UK and beyond. Discounts can be had in: fashion, travel, competitions, entertainment, computers, phones and technology, sport, health and leisure, ethical shopping and more.