Be prepared for the best and most intense time of your life in one of the greatest cities in the world
Transport
Citymapper is a great app! It'll tell you how to get everywhere in the city by various modes of transport, how long it takes and how much it costs.
Always get a licenced taxi.
Cycling is awesome, make sure you’re safe, know the road rules and get your bike checked by a bike shop. Alternatively, get your bike tuned at free Dr Bike workshops across London. Findf out about upcoming sessions near you here.
Railcards can save you money on trains.
Student Oyster saves you money on weekly/monthly tube and bus passes. Please contact student-support@rca.ac.uk for more details on Oyster card.
Housing
Our Noticeboard has some ads and below are some more links.
SpareRoom is a website that can help you find a home by providing a platform for searching and advertising rooms, flats, and houses for rent or share. Other sites are Zoopla and Rightmove, and the RCA also subscribes to the University of London Housing Services, where you can search for accommodation through vetted landlords and agencies. Websites s like Facebook are also used to advertise rooms for rent, but please search with caution. You should not send any money in the form of a deposit without having first viewed a property and/or signed a contract.
Facebook has an unofficial RCA group.
Studying
There are some amazing libraries in London and we recommend visiting them!
The British Library, the Wellcome Collection, Barbican and Community Libraries are amongst a few, and local libraries are also free to enter and use, although you may need to sign up for a library card to borrow books.
Sconul membership gives you access to lots of libraries, and you can use the website to book an appointment at the library you want.
Exercise
RCASU has some sports societies ready for you to join!
There are over 3000 parks in London, this is where you’ll find people working out!
Gyms, pools and local leisure centres often have discounts for students. We (personally) recommend local council leisure centres.
If you want to join a society that the RCASU does not have, you can purchase an affiliate membership with our neighbouring university, Imperial College. This will cost you £5 per month (alongside any society joining fees). To do this, please head over to the Imperial SU with your student ID and speak to them in person.
Health
Please put your mental and physical health above everything.
The NHS is a great service that we’re (as you probably know) very proud of... do use it!
111 - call this number if you have an urgent medical problem and you're not sure what to do. It's free to call.
999 - call this if there is an emergency, you will be put through to the police, fire department and/or ambulance service. It's free to call.
Doctors - register with a GP.
Walk-in clinics are also available for medical needs.
Register for a dentist.
Sexual Health London provides free and discreet home STI testing.