Life at St George's

As a student at St George's you're also automatically a member of our Students' Union (SU), established to represent all of the students studying here. You're also a part of the National Union of students (NUS) and Student Central (formerly the University of London Union), which offer additional facilities and services, as well as clubs, societies and events, based in and around the city centre.

St George's Students' Union is a great way of getting involved in wider university life and extracurricular activities. Our SU offers over 120 clubs, societies and community projects that you can get involved with at any time during your studies. Sports clubs include Climbing Society, Ski and Snowboard Club, Yoga, Jiu Jitsu to name a few, whilst societies cover a range of academic, cultural, religious and ‘just for fun' interests.

Four students are elected each year as sabbatical officers whose role it is to represent the rights and needs of students of students. They sit on most St George's committees, making sure your voice is heard.

The sabbatical officers are happy to listen to any concerns or issues you may have throughout your time here. Whilst the Student Life Centre is your first point of call for most concerns or issues, SU officers can also advise or point you in the right direction should you face any problems regarding accommodation, finance, essay writing, discrimination, sexual health, wellbeing and more. 

As well as a bar , the SU also has a shop on the ground floor of the Hunter Wing, where you can buy snacks, drinks, branding clothing and stationery at discounted prices. Money spent in the bar and shop goes back into funding the SU.

Tooting is home to several gastropubs and quirky bars including Tooting Tram and Social , a converted tram shed which is a great option for late night drinks and dancing. The Castle pub has a garden area, perfect for summer evenings, whilst The Selkirk SW17 hosts live music and quiz nights.

MUD Tooting is a laid-back, independent coffee shop on Mitcham Road perfect for coffees and brunches.

Harrington's Pie & Mash  shop is considered London's oldest pie and mash shop, and now the oldest business in SW17 and has been visited by the likes of actor James Franco.

Major of London Sadiq Khan, who was born and raised in Tooting, is a champion of Tooting and recommends Pooja , an Indian sweet shop on Upper Tooting Road where you can pick up middle eastern sweets and Turkish delight.

Tooting has great options for budget shopping, with large supermarket chains such as Iceland, Aldi, and Lidl, and budget clothing stores such as TK Maxx and Primark. However it's also home to two authentic and historic markets.

Broadway Market is one of South London's oldest markets with over 100 stalls selling food, drinks, clothes electronics and homewares, whilst Tooting Market which boasts an organic London gin bar as well as popular pizza place Franco Manca , was voted Best Small Indoor Market in the UK at the Great British Market Awards .

There are several gyms in Tooting including Anytime Fitness and The Gym London , as well as Tooting Leisure Centre which offers a discount to students. Nearby Tooting Common has an athletics track and gym, whilst Tooting Bec Lido is the UK's largest freshwater pool. The art deco pool is Grade II listed and becomes a real community hotspot in the summer months - Brad Pitt has even been a visitor whilst filming.

Tooting is well-connected with two tube stations, one train station and multiple bus routes.

A 20 minute journey on the northern line (underground) will take you direct to Waterloo.

There are two night buses that run all night, and the tube is also open all night on Friday and Saturday offering easy access to London's nightlife.

Many other vibrant areas of South West London are within easy reach including Brixton, Clapham, Balham and Wimbledon.

The best way to finance your travel in London is with a Student Oyster photocard which offers discounted rates of 30% off the equivalent adult weekly and monthly fares. It be eligible you must study full-time and live in London. The photocard is £20 and you can apply for yours through TFL once you have fully enrolled for the academic year.

You may also like to consider a 16-25 Railcard if you planning on using trains to travel across the UK. London is a great place to explore other cities, such as Brighton and Oxford. National Express also offers good rates if you plan and book in advance.

There are several NHS medical centres in the area including Mitcham Medical Centre and Trevelyan House Surgery. It's worth registering with a doctor near where you live.

High street banks in the area include HSBC, Natwest, Halifax and Barclays.

There are more than 15 places of worship in Tooting, servicing four major religions.