Information for international students
Welcome to Britannia School of English. We are delighted that you are considering studying with us in London.
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. This guide provides useful information to help you prepare for your journey, settle into life in London and make the most of your studies in the United Kingdom.
Whether you are joining us for a short English course, IELTS preparation programme, Functional Skills course or a longer period of study, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Before you travel
Before travelling to the UK, please ensure you have:
- A valid passport
- Visa documentation (if required)
- Course confirmation documents
- Accommodation details
- Travel insurance
- Emergency contact information
- Copies of important documents
We recommend keeping digital copies of your passport, visa and travel documents in a secure location.
Visa information
Welcome to Britannia School of English. We are delighted that you are considering studying with us in London.
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. This guide provides useful information to help you prepare for your journey, settle into life in London and make the most of your studies in the United Kingdom.
Whether you are joining us for a short English course, IELTS preparation programme or NCC International Foundation Diploma course, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Accommodation
Choosing suitable accommodation is an important part of your study experience.
Homestay accommodation
Many students choose to stay with one of our carefully selected host families. Homestay accommodation provides an excellent opportunity to practise English outside the classroom while experiencing British culture and daily life.
Benefits include:
- Friendly and welcoming environment
- Daily opportunities to practise English
- Safe residential locations
- Easy access to public transport
- Cultural immersion
Self-catering accommodation
Students who prefer greater independence may choose self-catering accommodation, allowing them to prepare their own meals and manage their own schedule.
If you require accommodation assistance, please contact our admissions team.
Guide for international students studying in London
Study English in London and discover one of the world’s most exciting cities. This guide provides information for international students about accommodation, transport, healthcare, banking, visas and student life while studying English in London.
Useful information
Before you travel
Visa information >
Accommodation >
Arriving in London
Your first day at school
Your first day at school
Your first day at school
Your first day at school
Your first day at school
Your first day at school
Your first day at school
Your first day at school
Arriving in London
London is served by several major international airports:
Work with past papers and timed mock exams to understand the format and pressure.
Take part in discussions, speaking exercises, and mock interviews.
Learn essay structure, task analysis, and how to achieve higher band scores.
Before travelling, please ensure you know:
- Your accommodation address
- How to travel from the airport
- School contact details
- Your first day timetable
If you have arranged an airport transfer through Britannia School of English, our team will provide detailed instructions before your arrival.
Your first day at school
On your first day, our staff will help you settle in and answer any questions you may have.
Our aim is to make your transition into student life as smooth and comfortable as possible.
You will receive:
- A school induction
- Information about your course
- Timetable details
- Student handbook
- Local information and guidance
Living in London
London is one of the world’s most exciting and multicultural cities.
You will benefit from:
- A diverse international community
- Excellent public transport
- World-famous attractions
- Countless opportunities to practise English
- Access to museums, galleries and cultural events
Living in London provides a unique opportunity to improve your English both inside and outside the classroom.
Getting around
London has one of the world’s most extensive public transport systems.
Tube
The nearest station is Stratford. The station’s proper title is Stratford (London) to avoid confusion with Stratford-upon-Avon.
It is located in a large multi-network rail hub in East London. The London Overground, London Underground (Jubilee Line, Central Line, Elizabeth Line) and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) all run from Stratford.
The station is one of the busiest in London, serving over 25 million passengers each and every year.
Bus
Buses are a cheaper and more interesting way to travel as you see more of the city.
For more information about routes visit www.tfl.gov.uk/maps/bus. You cannot pay cash on the bus.
Bicycles
Santander bikes are provided by London for anyone to use for a small fee.
You can pay by credit card or online. Go to the TFL website for more information.
There are some other rental bike companies available, but Santander Bikes are the only ones available in every zone of Central London and with fixed pick-up/drop-off points.
Rail
The nearest rail station is Stratford International.
For information on times and fares go to www.nationalrail.co.uk.
This is an expensive way to travel but it is quick. Booking in advance can save you money.
Coach travel
This is a slow but cheap way to travel around the country or to get to airports. For information on timetables and fares go to coach.nationalexpress.com or visit Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9TP
Sightseeing bus
You can also take a bus tour of the City for around £30 from just outside Gloucester Road Tube Station.
Taxis
Taxis (Black Cabs) have a yellow light on top – switched on when they are available. They can stop to pick you up anywhere and will always use the meter.
There are also mini-cabs which look like normal cars. Only get these from a taxi rank or book by phone and if you have booked one make sure the driver says your name to confirm the booking before you get in the car.
Kabbee and Swiss Cottage Cars are two companies that operate all over London. Uber and Kapten are two other options, which you can download as apps on your phone.
To help you plan journeys around London, use CityMapper (online or app) or TFL Journey Planner (online). They will tell you different routes you can take, travel times and approximate costs
Paying for London transport
Pay as you go with contactless or oyster is generally the cheapest way to travel. You only pay for the journeys you make.
If you don’t have a contactless card or device, get an Oyster card from a ticket machine and add pay as you go credit. £7 pounds is payable for an Oyster card.
Always touch in on a yellow card reader at the start of your journey and touch out at the end to pay the right fare. If you don’t, you may pay more than you need.
Always use the same card or device to touch in and out, making sure that you only pay up to the maximum daily or weekly Monday to Sunday cap.
Tfl Oyster and contactless
Download the app from the apple App Store or Google Play to:
- Top up pay as you go credit Buy season tickets
- Check your journey and payment history Check your pay as you go balance
- Get alerts when your balance is low or when your season ticket is about to expire.
18+ Student Oyster Photocard Scheme (Student discount Oystercard)
You can get 30% off weekly or monthly tube, bus or tram travelcards if
- Your course is at least 15 hours per week, Monday to Friday
- Your course is at least 14 weeks in length
You will need:
- Your Britannia School of English student number and course dates
- Your address in London
- To upload a digital colour photo
- To pay the £20 fee by credit/debit card.
Your 18+ Student Oyster Photocard will be posted to your London address, so please make sure that you give the correct address.
Please note: You must pay a non-refundable £22 administration fee for every application, even if replacing a lost, stolen or damaged Photocard.
If your Oyster Photocard is lost, stolen or damaged, visit https://photocard.tfl.gov.uk/ where you can report it missing and order a replacement.
How to apply for a student discount Oystercard
1. Go to photocard.tfl.gov.uk
2. In the section labelled “Please select your Oyster card” move over the pictures until you see 18+ Student Oyster Photocard and click on the picture
3. Click Create web account
4. Click View list of available establishments
5. Select Britannia School of English (Boardman House, 64 Broadway, E15 1NT)
6. Click Apply now
7. Click Continue
8. Fill in the registration
9. Make sure you answer ‘YES’ when asked if you are a resident in the UK
10. Click Create account
11. Follow the instructions complete the details of your course, upload your photo and make the payment of £20
It takes up to two weeks to receive the card. If you make a mistake in your application, you may have to submit the application again which will take more time.
If you do not receive your Photocard within two weeks, call the helpline: 03432221234. Please read the terms and conditions online.
Healthcare and emergencies
Healthcare Insurance
If you are not entitled to free medical treatment from the National Health Services (NHS) we strongly advise that you buy medical insurance if you have not done so already. Private medical treatment is very expensive.
NHS treatment is free if one of these is true for you:
1. You are studying in the UK for 6 months or more
2. Your country has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK
Registering with a doctor
If you are studying in the UK for more than 6 months, please follow the registering guidelines below:
1. Find a doctor in your local area www.nhs.uk
2. Contact the practice and ask to register with them. You will need: your name and address, date of birth, id card / passport and proof of address
3. Once registered, you will receive an NHS card. Keep it safe and take it with you when you go to the doctor, dentist or hospital
Walk-in medical centres in Stratford
If you are studying in the UK for less than 6 months and you need to see a doctor, please go to one of the walk-in medical centres.
Stratford Health Centre
121-123 The Grove, Stratford,
London,
E15 1EN
Tel: 020 8555 3936
The Forest Practice
Lord Lister Health Centre,
121 Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate,
London,
E7 0EP
Tel: 020 3474 6510
Dental treatment
There are many private dentists that charge for their services. For free dental treatment by supervised dental students you can try:
Guy’s Hospital
Floors 17-28, Tower Wing, Great Maze Pond,
London SE1 9RT
Tel: 020 7188 8006
Emergency Services
In an emergency, call:
999
This number connects you to:
- Ambulance
- Police
- Fire Service
For non-emergency police matters, call:
101
Money and Banking
Most shops, restaurants and transport services in London accept contactless payments.
Students staying in the UK for longer periods may wish to open a UK bank account.
Major banks include:
- Barclays
- HSBC
- Lloyds
- NatWest
- Santander
Requirements vary but usually include:
- Passport
- Proof of address
- Student confirmation letter
Banks in Stratford
HSBC – Shop 59-61, Stratford Shopping Centre, Great Eastern Rd, London, E15 1XF
NatWest – The Arcade, 155 – 156 Westfield, Ground, E20 1EL
Lloyds bank – 60 The Broadway, London, E15 1NG
Places of Worship
London is a multicultural city with facilities for people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Students can easily find:
- Mosques
- Churches
- Synagogues
- Temples
- Other places of worship
Our staff will be happy to help students locate nearby facilities.
Mosque – Hasanah Centre Stratford,
49 Broadway,
London, E15 4BQ
Church – St John’s Church, Broadway, London E15 1NG
Buddhist temple – Sri Sambodhi Buddhist Meditation Centre, 84 Dacre Rd, London, E13 0PR
Local facilities
Post office:
Stratford Post Office
26-28 The Broadway, London,
E15 4QS
Mobile phones (SIM only deals)
O2 Store – Unit 25, The Mall, The Stratford Centre, Stratford, E15 1XD, London
MMA(UK) Mobile Phones – Unit 48, 70-73 The Stratford Centre, London, E15 1XQ
Local libraries:
Stratford Library – 3 The Grove, London, E15 1EL
The Gate Library – Woodgrange Rd, London, E7 0QH
Police station
Stratford Police Station
18 West Ham Lane,
London, E15 4SG
Phone: 07803478153
Why study English in London
Learning English is about much more than grammar books and classroom exercises.
One of the fastest and most effective ways to improve your English skills is to learn in an English-speaking environment.
London is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students, offering excellent education, cultural diversity, and endless opportunities to practise English every day.
Learn English where it is spoken every day
Studying English in London gives students something that cannot be replicated through online lessons alone: complete language immersion.
From ordering coffee and asking for directions to speaking with classmates and local people, students are surrounded by English in everyday situations. This constant exposure helps improve:
- Speaking confidence
- Listening skills
- Vocabulary development
- Pronunciation
- Communication in real-life situations
Using English every day helps students progress faster and become more confident in both academic and professional environments.
Experience one of the world’s most international cities
London is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, welcoming people from every continent and background.
International students can enjoy meeting people from different countries while studying alongside classmates with diverse cultures and experiences.
This creates an exciting environment where students can:
- Make international friends
- Build professional connections
- Learn about different cultures
- Improve communication skills
Studying in London often becomes a life experience as much as an educational one.
Access high-quality English education
London is home to many respected English language schools and educational institutions. Students can choose from a wide range of courses depending on their goals, including:
- General English courses
- IELTS preparation
- Business English
- Functional Skills English
- Intensive English programmes
Experienced teachers and structured learning programmes help students improve at a pace that matches their individual needs.
Improve your speaking and communication skills with our General English course
Explore London while you study
Studying in London also means living in a city full of history, culture, and entertainment. Outside the classroom, students can visit famous attractions such as museums, parks, markets, theatres, and historic landmarks.
Popular places include:
- The British Museum
- Tower Bridge
- Buckingham Palace
- Hyde Park
- Camden Market
- Covent Garden
Learning continues outside the classroom when students practise English during daily activities and experiences.
Preparing for an exam?
Learn more about out IELTS Preparation course
Improve future career opportunities
English is widely recognised as an international language for business, education, and communication. Strong English skills can help open doors to:
- Better employment opportunities
- University admissions
- International careers
- Professional development opportunities
Employers value candidates who can communicate effectively in English and who have international experience.
Study English in London with confidence
Choosing to study English in London combines quality education with real-life language practice and an unforgettable cultural experience.
Whether your goal is improving communication skills, preparing for exams, or developing career opportunities, studying in London can help you reach your objectives faster.
At Britannia School of English, students can study in a supportive learning environment with experienced teachers and courses designed to help learners achieve their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
London gives students the opportunity to improve English while living in an international city with real-life communication opportunities, cultural experiences and excellent transport connections.
Stratford offers excellent transport links, affordable accommodation options and a vibrant international student environment.
Yes, Britannia School of English welcomes students from around the world and supports students with information about studying in the UK.
Progress depends on your starting level and study intensity, but many students notice improvement within 4–8 weeks.
Yes, students can combine General English with IELTS preparation depending on their goals.
Visa requirements depend on nationality and length of study. Check our visa information page for more information about visas.