London for international students arriving in london: a practical guide with 2026 prices

From the people who meet you in arrivals. Prices checked October 2026.

Landing day

Three suitcases and a nervous parent: this is our busiest September job. Fixed fare from the airport to halls or your flat, driver waits while you collect keys, and we carry everything up. MPVs for two students sharing. Most universities run free airport pickups only on two or three dates – outside those, a pre-booked car costs less than two train tickets plus a local cab.

The first week

Open a UK bank account online before you land (Monzo, Starling, Revolut, HSBC International); get a SIM (giffgaff, Lebara, Voxi – £10–£15 a month); register with a GP near your halls; the Immigration Health Surcharge you paid covers NHS care. Student Oyster (30% off travelcards) and a 16–25 Railcard (£30 a year, a third off trains) pay for themselves in a month. Council tax: students are exempt – get the letter from your university.

Student London, cheaply

Free museums, £5 Globe standing tickets, National Theatre and Royal Opera House student schemes, TodayTix rush seats, Borough Market lunch, cheap eats on Brick Lane, Chinatown and Tooting. Term-time halls cost £200–£350 a week in central London; flat shares £800–£1,200 a month per room.

Going home and family visits

We store nothing, but we do airport runs at 04:00 at the same fixed price, and parents visiting at graduation get the same meet & greet. Group bookings for end-of-term airport runs can split the fare by card.

Next steps

Airport transfers · Food & shopping guide · All visitor guides. Get a fixed-price quote →