Living in London

London is an incredible, vibrant backdrop for your musical training, offering world-class culture, diverse communities, and endless inspiration.
A view of London from Primrose Hill.

We are here to help you navigate the practicalities of settling into your new home smoothly.

Living and studying here is an experience unlike any other. With the best culture, entertainment and nightlife on your doorstep, one thing you can guarantee is that you’ll never be bored.

Our city is brimming with both history and innovation, and the Academy is situated at the heart of it all. Regent’s Park is just around the corner, and within walking distance are Wigmore Hall, Oxford Street, the theatres of the West End and the bars and restaurants of Soho. Jump on a Tube or a bus and in 20 minutes you can be enjoying the buzz of the South Bank or the eclectic mix of market stalls, food and live music in Camden.

Creative inspiration is everywhere. Take a break from your studies to see world-class soloists, bands, orchestras and singers performing in venues across London, or head to one of the city’s many theatres, galleries, clubs, bars, parks or museums.

Whatever your passions and interests, in London you’ll find somewhere to enjoy them and people to share them with.

How much will it cost to live in London?

This depends on many factors, including your own lifestyle. It’s impossible to put an exact figure on it, but here are some indicative costs based on two students.

Scenario A: Private House Share

Typical essential monthly costs for a student living in a shared private flat with friends further away from campus:

  • Accommodation (Rent): £777
  • Utility Bills: £36
  • Food: £200
  • Travel (Public Transport): £125
  • Socialising: £120 to £240
  • Course Costs (Sheet music, strings, concert tickets): £0 to £120
  • Extras (Laundry, toiletries, clothes): £0 to £120
  • Estimated Monthly Total: £1,258 to £1,618

Scenario B: Student Halls of Residence

Typical essential monthly costs for a student living in dedicated student halls closer to the Academy:

  • Accommodation (including bills): £963 (based on a 10-month lease)
  • Food: £120
  • Travel: £63 (bus pass only, due to proximity to the Academy)
  • Socialising: £170
  • Course Costs (Reeds, sheet music, concert clothes): £85
  • Extras (Toiletries, laundry, clothes): £45
  • Estimated Monthly Total: £1,446

If you're an international student, remember to budget for flights home, the cost of visas and the immigration health surcharge.

You can read more about managing your money on our Fees and Funding pages.

Travel and Student Oyster Discounts

Very few students are able to live within walking distance of our central London campus. Choosing where to live involves a balance: living in central London usually means higher rent but lower travel costs, while living further out offers cheaper rent but higher transport fares.

To help manage these costs, all enrolled full-time students at the Academy are eligible for a 30% reduction on weekly and monthly transport season tickets for the London Underground and bus networks.

  • How to Apply: Applications for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard must be made directly online via the Transport for London (TfL) website.
  • Verification: You will need to input your official Academy enrolment number during the application. Once you have completed your formal enrolment at the start of term, the Academy Registry team will automatically verify your application with TfL to activate your discount.

Insurance and Your Instrument

We strongly advise students to insure their possessions, including musical instruments. The cost of premiums will vary according to the area in which you live, and also the value of the items to be insured. Extra premiums may be required for items such as computers, laptops or tablets, mobile phones and bicycles.

The Academy does not arrange insurance for students, though the Students' Union can help with advice. To give you an idea of the kind of premium you might pay for your general belongings, you can get a quote from specialist student insurers, Endsleigh. Endsleigh can insure for proportionate reimbursement of your prepaid course fees if you have to cancel your course, cut it short or repeat it due to accident or sickness of yourself or a close relative.