Studying and Living in London: What to Expect When You Study with The Event School London
- The Event School London
- May 24
- 12 min read
Choosing where to study is about more than choosing a course. It is also about choosing the environment that will shape your confidence, your outlook and your professional opportunities.
For students considering The Event School London, London is a major part of the experience.
Whether you are travelling from another part of the UK, relocating for a full-time course, commuting into the city, or coming from overseas, studying in London gives you access to one of the world’s most active, creative and professionally connected event destinations.
For anyone preparing for a career in events, it is an exceptional place to learn.
Below you can learn about:
Studying with The Event School London
The Event School London provides practical, career-focused education for students who want to enter, progress in or specialise within the events industry.
Our courses are designed to connect students with the realities of the sector, combining structured learning with professional insight, industry awareness and exposure to London’s event environment.
Students are taught by experienced lecturers and industry professionals who understand the standards, expectations and pace of the modern events industry.
This is especially valuable in London, where event professionals need to be commercially aware, operationally capable, client-focused and confident in professional environments.
Whether you are joining us for a short course, a full-time programme or a specialist event management qualification, studying with us in London is designed to help you build knowledge, confidence and career direction.
Our Location: Royal Docks, East London
The Event School London trains in venues on the Royal Docks, one of London’s most exciting waterfront districts.
The Royal Docks is home to major venues, hotels, business spaces and cultural developments. You can explore the area here.
Our training venues are less than five minutes’ walk from ExCeL London, London’s leading international conference, exhibition and event centres. We frequently use the ExCel London events as a valuable practical teaching tool for our programmes. For example:
students on a summer programme saw behind the scenes of the FormulaE set up
an exhibition management class went underground to see the subterranean service areas
full-time students have experienced the build-up of the London Horse Show, learnt how rigging really works in the venue halls, toured the new International Conference Centre and attended and learnt from multiple event types from World Travel Market to ComicCon, The Event Production Show to the National Wedding Show, Event Tech, London Marathon Registration, London Triathlon, The Business Show, the International Food & Drink Show, Grand Designs Live and more.
Students are also close to Immerse LDN, a destination for immersive entertainment and cultural experiences.
You're a 10 minute cable-car journey from The O2 Arena which hosts world-class live concerts and entertainment (along with over 30 bars & restaurants and a wide range of leisure activities.)
Our primary training venue is Novotel London ExCeL, with secondary venues including Good Hotel London ExCeL and Aloft London ExCeL. These corporate training spaces are our classrooms, providing our students with a professional environment for their studies.
The closest station is Custom House, which is served by the Elizabeth Line and the DLR. This gives students strong transport connections across London, including easy access to Canary Wharf, Liverpool Street, Stratford and central London.
What's Nearby?
One of the advantages of studying in the Royal Docks is that students are well connected to major shopping centres, bars, cafes, restaurant and entertainment districts, parks and green spaces all within minutes. Nearby areas include:
A major business and finance district, with restaurants, shops, riverside spaces, cultural events and professional venues. Just 3 minutes by train.
One of London’s largest shopping and leisure destinations, with shops, restaurants, cinema, cafés and everyday essentials. Just 10 minutes by train
A major destination developed from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic legacy, with parklands, sporting venues, cultural spaces and event locations. Just 10 minutes by train then a 5 minute walk
Central London
From Custom House, students can travel easily into central London by public transport, making it possible to explore museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants, shopping districts, historic sites and event venues across the city. Just 12 minutes to central London by train
Moving to London or Commuting In
Not every student experiences London in the same way.
Some students move to London for the full duration of their course.
Some travel in from other parts of the UK.
Some stay with friends or family.
Some choose student accommodation.
Others commute daily or weekly, depending on the course format.
Before choosing accommodation or travel arrangements, it is worth thinking about your course timetable, travel budget, study routine and how much time you want to spend in London outside class.
London is a large city, but it is also highly connected. Many students and professionals travel across the city every day by train, Tube, DLR, Elizabeth Line or bus. A journey of up to one hour is common for many Londoners, especially if the route is direct and reliable.
For students studying at The Event School London, we recommend checking travel times to Custom House station before booking accommodation or making travel plans.
Finding Accommodation in London
Accommodation is one of the most important parts of preparing for your time in London, especially if you are moving from outside the city or coming from overseas.
London offers a wide range of accommodation options, including student residences, shared flats, private studios, serviced apartments, short-stay accommodation and homestays.
At The Event School London, we recommend our student residence accommodation partner, Londonist. Their team is experienced in supporting students with accommodation in London, including those coming from outside the UK.
You can browse Londonist accommodation options here.
The closest Londonist residence to our training location is Drapery Place, which is approximately 25 minutes by train.
For personal advice and support, contact our Londonist account executive Vaishnavi: vaishnavi.pawar@londonist.co.uk
Students may also wish to look at accommodation in central London, Liverpool Street, Spitalfields, Aldgate, Stratford, Canary Wharf, or areas with easy access to the Elizabeth Line or DLR.
When comparing accommodation, consider:
Travel time to Custom House
Whether bills are included
Access to transport
Safety and security
Contract length
Deposit and cancellation terms
Nearby shops and services
Whether the provider supports students
Tips:
A lower rent may not always be the best value if the commute is expensive or complicated.
Equally, a slightly longer journey can work well if the route is direct and the accommodation is suitable.
Check carefully that the room/accommodation type is suitable for you. e.g somtimes the lower budget options are room shares and you may prefer your own room. Or there are choices to have a private ensuite room with shared kitchen and living area (ideal for meeting other students) or a private self-catering studio (if you prefer more privacy but still want to live in a supported student-focused environment)
Getting Around London
London has one of the most extensive public transport networks in the world.
Students commonly travel by Tube, Elizabeth Line, DLR, train or bus.
The Transport for London journey planner is one of the most useful tools for checking travel routes, journey times and service updates.
Before your first day, it is a good idea to practise your route or check it carefully online. This is especially helpful if you are new to London or travelling during peak times.
Students should also familiarise themselves with contactless payment, Oyster cards, peak and off-peak travel, and how to check service changes before leaving.
Budgeting for Student Life in London
London is an exceptional city, but it is important to budget realistically.
Costs vary depending on where you live, how often you travel, your accommodation type, food choices and lifestyle.
Students coming from outside London should budget not only for course fees, but also for travel, accommodation, food, personal costs and a contingency fund.
Typical costs to consider include:
Accommodation or commuting
Food and groceries
Local transport
Mobile phone and internet
Course materials:
for certificate and diploma courses - you'll need a lap-top for most courses for in-class activities, research and assessment work
most masterclasses also benefit from brining a lap-top for in-class exercises
Laundry and personal items
Social activities
Travel insurance, where relevant
Emergency funds
Flights, if travelling internationally
International students applying for a Standard Visitor Visa should also ensure they can show they have enough funds to cover their course fees, accommodation, travel and living costs without working in the UK. International students can find more guidance here.
UK students moving to London should also plan carefully, especially if they are used to lower living costs in another town or city.
Food, Groceries and Everyday Essentials
London has a wide range of supermarkets, local shops, food markets, cafés and restaurants.
Students often find it useful to identify the nearest supermarket to their accommodation and the nearest food options to their study location.
Main grocery stores include:
London is also one of the world’s most diverse food cities. From affordable cafés and street food to specialist food stores and premium restaurants, students can experience many different cultures through food.
Settling into London
London can feel exciting, fast-paced and full of opportunity. It can also feel overwhelming at first, especially if you are moving from a smaller town, another part of the UK, or another country.
The best way to settle in is to prepare well and give yourself time.
Before your course starts, try to:
Plan your route to class
Check your accommodation and travel arrangements
Save important contact details
Know where your nearest supermarket and pharmacy are
Understand how you will pay for transport
Keep your course details easy to access
Arrive early on your first day
Ask questions if you are unsure
Settling into London does not mean knowing everything immediately. It means gradually building confidence with your routine, your travel, your local area and your study environment.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Students should take normal city precautions when living or studying in London.
Keep your phone and belongings secure, especially in busy areas.
Plan your route before travelling late at night.
Use licensed taxis, public transport or trusted ride services.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Keep digital and physical copies of important documents where appropriate.
Students coming from overseas should also arrange suitable travel or medical insurance and understand what healthcare access they may have while in the UK.
If you're coming from overseas - be aware the emergency number in the UK is 999 - calls are answered by 999 operators and are always free.
Wellbeing is also important. Starting a new course, meeting new people and adjusting to a new city can take energy. Build in time to rest, eat properly, stay connected with trusted people and ask for support early if you need it.
If during your studies you need expert advice and information to help you through the challenges of student life, Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity.
Making the Most of London as an Event Student
For event students, London is a living classroom.
You can learn from the way venues welcome guests, how exhibitions are structured, how hotels deliver service, how brands use physical spaces, how transport affects visitor experience, and how cultural institutions create memorable public engagement.
While many courses include attending events, showcases, excursions and venue tours - even outside class, students can observe the industry every day:
Attend exhibitions and public events. While some events are ticketed, others are free to attend. Check what's on at:
Attend one of London's many major sporting events
Experience a cultural or special event
Enjoy and learn at a music festival
Explore hotels, museums and cultural spaces
While attending events:
Notice how guests are welcomed and managed
Observe signage, flow, service and security
Think about how events are promoted
Reflect on what makes an experience feel professional, premium or memorable
This is one of the greatest advantages of studying events in London. The city allows students to connect theory with professional reality.
Exploring London Beyond the Classroom
Studying in London should also be personally enriching.
Students can explore museums, galleries, theatres, parks, historic landmarks, luxury districts, independent neighbourhoods and waterfront spaces.
Many museums and galleries offer free entry, making it possible to experience the city even on a student budget.
For wider London inspiration and visitor information, Visit London is a useful starting point:
Areas worth exploring include:
Each area offers a different view of London, from heritage and culture to business, design, retail, hospitality and entertainment.
Finding Part-Time Work in London
For students who have the right to work in the UK, London can offer a wide range of part-time and flexible work opportunities. Hospitality, venues, retail, events, catering and visitor services can all be useful areas to explore, particularly for students who want to build confidence, communication skills and practical experience alongside their course.
It is important to check your work rights before applying for any role. If you are in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa, you cannot work in the UK, including paid or unpaid work. This section is therefore most relevant to UK students and students who already have immigration permission that allows them to work.
For hospitality and venue roles, Caterer.com is a useful starting point, with part-time jobs across restaurants, hotels, bars, catering companies and venues: https://www.caterer.com/jobs/part-time/in-london
For event crew work, Event People is worth exploring for flexible event staffing and crewing opportunities: https://eventpeople.co.uk/
Delaware North provide hospitality at a number of London Stadiums: https://careers.delawarenorth.com/UK-locations/
Other ways to find part-time work in London are:
Apply directly to venues, hotels and event spaces
Many hotels, venues, catering companies, theatres, visitor attractions and conference spaces advertise vacancies on their own websites. This can be especially useful if you want experience in a particular type of environment, such as hotels, exhibitions, cultural venues, luxury hospitality or corporate events.
Use wider job platforms and student job sites
Websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Reed and StudentJob often list part-time, temporary and casual roles in London. Search terms such as “part-time hospitality London”, “event assistant London”, “casual event staff London”, “venue assistant London” and “front of house London” can help you find relevant opportunities.
Part-time work can be a valuable way to build confidence, understand London’s professional standards and develop transferable skills. The best roles are usually those that fit around your timetable, support your wellbeing and help you build experience that is relevant to your future career.
Making Friends in London
London is a big city, and it can take a little time to feel settled. The good news is that London is also full of people who are new to the city, building their networks, starting new courses, changing careers or looking for new experiences.
When you study with The Event School London, you will naturally meet people through your course. Your classmates are often one of the best starting points, as you already share an interest in events, creativity, hospitality, business or professional development.
For students moving to London, student residence accommodation can also be a valuable way to meet people. Many residences bring together students from different colleges, universities, countries and backgrounds, creating opportunities to make friends beyond your own course.
It is also worth joining activities outside your studies. London has clubs and groups for almost every interest, from sport and fitness to drama, music, reading, culture, volunteering and professional networking.
Useful places to start include:
Sports clubs and social leagues: https://www.gomammoth.co.uk/sports-clubs-team-sports/
Sports and activity clubs across London: https://www.londonsport.org/
Drama and amateur theatre groups: https://www.towertheatre.org.uk/https://www.sedos.co.uk/
Book clubs and reading groups: https://www.meetup.com/find/gb--london/book-clubs/https://londonreadingclub.org.uk/
Music, choirs and singing groups: https://rockchoir.com/https://www.meetup.com/topics/singers/gb/
Other ways to meet people in London are:
Attend events connected to your interests
Look for talks, exhibitions, open days, venue showcases, creative workshops, cultural events and industry events. These can be especially useful for event students, as they help you meet people while also building your understanding of the industry.
Volunteer for events or community projects
Volunteering can be a brilliant way to meet people, gain confidence and experience London from the inside. It can also be valuable for students who want to build practical experience in events, hospitality, culture, sport or community engagement.
Explore your local area regularly
Small routines help London feel more familiar. Try the same café, gym, library, park, market or class each week. Friendships often grow through repeated, low-pressure contact rather than one big moment.
Making friends in London is about being open, proactive and patient. You do not need to know everyone immediately. Start with your course, your accommodation, your local area and one or two activities that genuinely interest you, and your London network will begin to grow.
A City That Can Shape Your Future
Studying in London is an investment in knowledge, confidence and professional perspective.
For students joining The Event School London, the city offers more than a backdrop.
It offers access to one of the world’s most active event environments, from international exhibitions and corporate venues to cultural destinations, luxury hospitality, major public spaces and creative neighbourhoods.
London is fast-moving, diverse and ambitious. It rewards curiosity, preparation and professionalism.
For students who are ready to learn, observe and engage, it can be a powerful place to study, grow and begin shaping a future in the events industry.
We want students to feel prepared not only for their course, but for the experience of studying in London.
Whether you are moving from overseas, travelling from another part of the UK, or commuting into the city, your time here can be both professionally valuable and personally memorable.
Have a question about studying, living in or moving to London?
WhatsApp: 07305 309 559
Phone: 0203 239 0950
Email: info@eventschool.london
