Top travel tips for campus life in London

The best way to get around campus? For me, it’s definitely walking. It gives me a chance to explore various parts of the University, enjoy the architecture, and just take in the surroundings. Plus, walking is great for my daily step count and overall health.

Public transport on your doorstep 

The transport connections around Middlesex University are really good, whether you’re heading to class or exploring different areas of London. 

I live in Platt Hall, and it takes me about 20 minutes to walk to campus. If I’m in a rush or it’s raining, I just hop on a bus. It’s only a 10-minute ride, and buses come every 10-15 minutes, so it’s super convenient. 

Since I live in halls, I don’t really use trains daily. But Hendon train station is very close to the University, making it easy to get around when needed. There are also plenty of bus stops right in front of campus, which makes travelling even more accessible.  

Heading further out 

If I’m heading further into London, I usually take the Tube or a bus, depending on where I’m going. The best part about my accommodation is that there’s a station just a short walk away, so whenever I want to go further out, I can just step out and get going.  

If I’m going somewhere nearby, I’ll take the bus. But if I want to reach central London quickly, the Tube is my go-to. It’s a bit pricier, but with a Student Oyster card, I get discounts – which helps a lot. 

London transport can be expensive, but it’s all about finding ways to save money. Buses are usually cheaper, and walking is always free! Also, avoiding peak travel times helps, since fares are lower outside rush hours. 

My late-night travel experience 

One of the craziest travel experiences I’ve had was on New Year’s Eve. After the fireworks, thousands of people were trying to get on the Tube at the same time. It was honestly a nightmare – so many people crammed into one place, and it took forever to get anywhere.  

But I was with my friends, so we made the best of it. Generally, late-night buses are a lifesaver. Instead of struggling to get on a packed Tube, I tend to just take one direct bus from central London to my accommodation. No stress, no changing lines – just one ride home. 

Travel tips for international students 

As an international student, I had no clue how things worked at first. Even crossing the road felt different! But I picked up some useful travel tips along the way: 

• Walk whenever possible – it’s free, healthy, and helps you explore new areas. 
• Get a Student Oyster card – you’ll save a lot on travel costs. 
• Avoid peak hours – fares are higher, and transport is way more crowded. 
• Use travel apps – the Citymapper app is great for bus schedules, Google Maps helps with walking routes, and the Transport for London (TfL) app tells you about any delays or service changes. For example, during Christmas, I wasn’t sure which transport services would be running. The TfL app saved me – it showed all the changes, so I knew when buses and trains were available. 

Getting around London as a student can be challenging at first, but being based in north London is the perfect setting to access the city. Whether it's walking, taking the bus, or hopping on the Tube, you're always a short time away from exciting industry events that enhance your future opportunities or fun days out with friends.  

With a Student Oyster card, it's easy to save money and avoid the rush. London’s transport system might seem overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it, the city is so much fun to explore. 

We’re glad Sanskruti has been able to make the most of being in London. Find out more about MDX campus life.