by LHA London
Whether you’re a student or simply a young adult studying abroad, getting on your feet is reportedly one of the greatest but also toughest times in a person’s life, and this can be exacerbated when you are living away from home. If you feel isolated from your family and friends or are struggling with your finances, workload or even your sexual health, there are plenty of support options available in London to provide you with the extra help you may need.
But, you don’t have to be struggling majorly for these to apply. Sometimes, you just need a helping hand to gather your thoughts and organise your schedules to be on your way to a stable life.
At LHA London, we want you to get the best out of your time in one of the greatest cities in the world, so we’ve curated this list of support services and options that are available to you as a young person living in London.
One of the greatest hurdles young people face is the prospect of managing your own finances for the first time. The most important step to riding this wave is to be prepared. It might sound simple or cliche but having a plan in place for unexpected circumstances is the most effective way of softening unexpected circumstances.
Remember, it’s natural to have a few slips whilst you’re getting to grips with the cost of living, so don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself short. Make a list of the following services and options that allow you to access dedicated student finance, or provide a cushion to fall back on if something goes wrong:
Student finance allows you to borrow money to support the cost of your tuition or living. If you’re living in London away from your parents, you could be eligible to claim up to £13,022 from the 2023 academic year depending on your personal circumstances.
You can apply up to 9 months after the start of your academic course. If you aren’t already on the scheme and are struggling financially, this is still an option for you.
What if my student finance isn’t enough?
Universities have systems in place to support their students and help you get the best out of your education. This can include financial assistance funds that support students who are experiencing financial hardship.
You will need to speak with your specific provider if you are in need of additional funding.
You may be eligible to claim a grant that covers travel expenses if:
You do not have to pay this grant back, but there are rules on how much you qualify for.
Job opportunities are rife in London, which is one of London’s greatest appeals. However, as a young person the prospect of looking for your first career, especially if it is straight out of university or a part time job whilst you study, can look fairly difficult.
Luckily, there are many organisations and charities that are designed specifically to support you on your way to living a prosperous and successful life:
For further career guidance, including CV advice, take a look at the resources available at Youth Employment.
There are a myriad of services in London that can offer support if you’re struggling with your mental health. It is completely natural to feel disjointed if you have moved away from home, or experience overwhelming amounts of stress while studying at university.
You should never feel embarrassed to reach out to a professional if you need to talk about your emotions, even if they feel minor.
The following organisations are specifically designed to empower young people and students in London and provide fantastic support and advice if you are struggling with your mental health:
It is worth making a list of these resources and your local counselling services prior to experiencing any struggles so that you have access to them should you need the support.
As soon as you move to London it’s imperative that you sign up with your local GP. This will ensure you have access to medical treatment and health advice as soon as you require it.
A GP is a General Practitioner and will usually be your first point of contact when you require medical assistance. If you need specialist treatment, you may need a referral from your GP.
Registering with a GP is a fairly simple process. All you need to do is research local GPs, find the closest GP with good reviews and fill in an application form. Some will require you to fill in a paper form rather than digital but their website will tell you which is preferable.
Other resources available to assist with sexual health include:
All students studying in the UK are eligible for the following NHS treatment, regardless of your nationality or the length/subject of your course:
If you require other treatment then you may need to discuss this with your GP.
Moving abroad to start your career is one of the most exciting things you can do. It can feel like an adventure into a brand new culture especially with all the opportunities that London provides.
However, we are aware that living abroad doesn’t come without challenges which is why organisations like Into Study are such valuable sources of information, advice and practical learning.
INTO has a sector dedicated to students moving INTO London that supports you through every stage of your relocation from visa applications to discovering social activities and English language support.
With INTO, you’ll have access to a range of services including:
Whether you’re a student or young person building a career, take a look at our guide, Relocation to London: Advice and Tips, to unlock more advice on what to look out for when relocating to London.
Every university will offer help on campus covering all areas of wellbeing including mental health, job support and financial advice.
Look for your university’s advice centre where you will receive support on both personal and academic issues. These are often run by professional advisors who are qualified independently from the uni.
If you’re unsure where to go for your advice, this is the best place to go as they can recommend the most appropriate resources and route for you. You can ask to speak privately, and be reassured that your conversation is entirely confidential.
If you need help finding safe, secure accommodation in London the LHA London have your back.
We believe that the cost of accommodation should never be a barrier to following your dreams. That’s why we provide affordable accommodation across London that gives you the freedom to live your London life as you choose.
Our hostels cover all major points on the city’s map and cover your bills too, so you don’t need to worry about any additional costs while you focus on building the life you want.
For more information about how our charity can help you get set up in the big city, take a look at our available accommodation and don’t forget to check out our offer to discover what we can offer you.
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