London Business School financial aid officer Kathleen Bell outlines how prospective and incoming students should consider managing the cost of living in London in an informative blog post.
First-time visitors to London will immediately recognize a palpable excitement in the air that is unique to this global cultural and economic destination. Students who choose to study at LBS will be at the avant-garde of world finance, whether as part of an Old Street tech start-up, a Kings Road luxury retailer, or the London Stock Exchange near St. Paul’s. After a day’s work, the city offers a bustling cultural life, with concerts at Café OTO in Dalston, the Royal Opera, Wimbledon tennis, and nearly 300 museums within the city limits alone. Treat yourself to a pint and a burger at the Windsor, LBS’ local watering hole. TimeOut London is an excellent resource for London goings-on for out-of-towners and locals alike.
While flats with extraordinary architectural and environmental vistas are certainly available for those who can afford them, perhaps you might be more inclined to save by sharing a flat with a few LBS students. Arly, an American MBA student who graduated in 2015, decided to split a 3-bedroom flat near the School with French and South Korean classmates. The trio took turns cooking meals and shared recipes from their respective cultures. As Bell explains, “By flat sharing, it allowed Arly to keep his cost down, which then provided the opportunity to attend more cultural treks.”
According to our school-wide survey, many students did not realize how accessible LBS was from every corner of the city via train, tube, or bus. Chris, a British MBA student who graduated in 2014, commuted to class by bike from Clapham. Chris opted to split a 2-bedroom flat in South London for the price of a 1-bedroom on Park Road as the majority of his friends resided there.
Accommodations with University of London Halls, located near LBS’ Regent’s Park campus, offer a budget option for the LBS student looking to get the most bang for his/her buck. We will notify you once the application process opens for Lillian Penson House and International Hall, both of which feature high-speed WiFi, bathrooms that are directly connected to bedrooms, launderette, and recreational and study areas.
Take a moment and reflect on what you value most from accommodations to gauge your comfort level. Strike up a dialogue with your classmates to get a sense of how everyone is handling housing.