Amazing Fun Facts About London Every Student Should Know in 2025

London’s way cooler than it gets credit for. It’s technically a forest (yep, really), home to over 300 spoken languages, and even has a statue of mice fighting over cheese. It’s the kind of city where every street has a surprise, which makes it perfect for students looking to make their uni years unforgettable.

Whether you're considering moving here for uni or already looking at student accommodation in London, you’re about to realise this city is anything but ordinary. There’s more here than red buses and tourist spots—London has a personality of its own. It’s diverse, weird (in the best way), and full of moments that’ll make you say, “Did that really just happen?”

If you’re planning to study here or already packing your bags, these fun and mind-blowing facts will give you a whole new perspective on what student life in London can actually be like.

London in a Nutshell

• 2,000+ years of history: From Roman Londinium to Churchill’s war rooms.
• Urban jungle vibes: Over 8M trees, officially classed as a forest.
• Theatres everywhere: 39 West End theatres, £5 Globe tickets for students.
• Oldest tube system: 55% runs above ground.
• Black cab drivers = geniuses: 25,000 streets memorised for "The Knowledge."
• Home to 19 unis: 400,000+ students, top-tier institutions like UCL & Imperial.
• £1.8T property market: Average house price = £735K (hello, student halls).
• Food from everywhere: 55,000+ restaurants, epic markets, halal/dim sum heaven.
• Sport + culture legacy: 3x Olympic host, 13 football clubs, nightlife galore.
• Future-ready: Carbon neutral by 2030, Crossrail open, HS2 on the way.

The Historical Facts That'll Blow Your Mind

Romans Were Here First (Obviously)

Back in 43 AD, some Romans rocked up and thought "this looks nice" and called it Londinium. That was nearly 2,000 years ago! Makes you feel pretty small when you're walking down the same streets Caesar's soldiers once marched, doesn't it?

There's this tiny temple called the Temple of Mithras from 240 AD that you can visit. It's tucked away in Bloomberg's fancy headquarters near the Bank. Most tourists walk right past it, but it's London's oldest building still standing.

That Time London Almost Burned Down Completely

1666 was a rough year. The Great Fire of London basically wiped out medieval London - we're talking 13,200 houses gone, poof. But here's the mental bit: it actually saved lives by killing all the plague-carrying rats. Sometimes disasters work out weirdly well.

Christopher Wren got to rebuild pretty much everything. St. Paul's Cathedral is his masterpiece, and that Whispering Gallery? It's not just tourist nonsense - you genuinely can whisper on one side and hear it crystal clear on the other. Physics is mad.

London Saved Europe (No Big Deal)

During World War II, London wasn't just fighting for Britain. The city became the backup capital for five entire European countries when Germany invaded them. Norwegian, Polish, Belgian, French, and Dutch leaders all set up shop here between 1939 and 1945.

Churchill's war rooms are still there under Westminster. You can visit them now, which is pretty surreal when you think about it. All those massive decisions that shaped the world were made in a basement.

For more hidden gems, here’s a list of the best museums in London worth adding to your weekend plans.

Unbelievable Facts About London

London is Actually a Forest (Seriously)

The UN officially calls London an urban forest. Not kidding. Over 21% tree coverage means we've got 8.3 million trees living alongside 9.8 million people. That's nearly one tree per person!

Hyde Park alone is 350 acres. Perfect for when you need to escape your flatmates or cram for exams outdoors. There's something about studying under a massive oak tree that makes even the most boring subjects bearable.

The Population Numbers Are Insane

London currently has 9.84 million people crammed into this city. That's more people than live in entire countries like Austria or Switzerland. Mind-boggling. But here’s the wildest part: walk through London for just a few minutes and you’ll hear languages from all over the world. 

Students often say they’ve heard seven or more different languages in a single Tube ride between King’s Cross and Angel. French, Punjabi, Polish, Spanish—you name it. It’s like the whole world’s squeezed into one carriage. That kind of everyday magic is just part of what makes studying in London so unforgettable.

There's a City Inside the City

The actual "City of London" is tiny - just over a square mile. Only about 7,500 people actually live there, but 300,000 commute in daily for work. It's got its own mayor, police force, and even its own flag.

Transport Facts You Need to Know

The "Underground" Isn't Underground

Plot twist: 55% of the London Underground actually runs above ground. Someone clearly didn't think that name through properly. The system opened in 1863, making it the world's oldest subway. 

Fun fact: Jerry Springer was born in one of the stations during an air raid in 1944. From Tube baby to talk show host - what a journey.

Black Cab Drivers Are Actual Geniuses

Becoming a black cab driver takes 2-4 years of studying. They have to memorise every single street in London - all 25,000 of them. It's called "The Knowledge" and it's so intense their brains literally change shape. The hippocampus gets bigger from all that navigation training.

Next time you're in a black cab, ask them about it. They love talking about The Knowledge, and you'll get some brilliant stories.

Those Red Buses Have History

Originally, London buses were different colours for different routes. Made sense, right? But in 1907, one company painted all its red to stand out from its competitors. Now, red buses are basically London's logo.

Each double-decker carries 87 passengers. The old Route Master buses didn't even have doors - you could just hop on and off wherever. It was a health and safety nightmare by today's standards, but it sounds quite fun.

Landmark Facts to Impress Your Mates

Big Ben Isn't Big Ben

Everyone gets this wrong. The tower is called Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is the massive 13-tonne bell inside it. The bell's got a crack in it, too, but they just turned it slightly and used a lighter hammer. Still works perfectly.

Those clock faces? Made from 324 panes of hand-blown glass. Every five years, someone has to rappel down to clean them. Not a job for anyone scared of heights.

The London Eye is an Engineering Marvel

This thing weighs over 1,000 tons and moves so slowly you can step on and off without it stopping. It takes exactly 30 minutes for one full rotation.

There are 32 capsules numbered 1-33 because they skipped 13. It seems like even engineers get superstitious sometimes.

Tower Bridge Does Actually Open

The famous Tower Bridge opens about 1,000 times per year. It takes 90 seconds to fully open, and ships must book this weeks in advance.

In 1952, a bus driver had to jump the gap when the bridge started opening unexpectedly. He got £10 for his heroics, which was decent money back then. Imagine explaining that insurance claim.

Cultural Bits That Matter

Literary London Lives Everywhere

London has produced some absolute legends: Dickens, Virginia Woolf, and Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes "lived" at 221B Baker Street, and there's actually a museum there now. 

For bookworms and quiet study lovers, discover the best libraries in London that students actually love using.

London’s Music Scene is Mental

Over 22,000 artists perform at 300+ venues in London every year. London has played a major role in the lives of musicians and global icons. The Beatles shared their only proper flat together at 57 Green Street in 1963. Jimi Hendrix lived here too - his flat's now a museum in Mayfair. Camden Market alone gets 10 million visitors yearly. 

Fashion Capital Status

London is one of the "Big Four" fashion capitals with Paris, Milan, and New York. London Fashion Week happens twice yearly, and the street style here is genuinely insane. You'll see outfits that make you question your entire wardrobe.

The Weird and Wonderful Facts

World's Smallest Statue

London's tiniest public statue shows two mice fighting over a piece of cheese. It's on Philpot Lane in the City. Most people walk straight past without noticing, which somehow makes it even better.

Ancient Laws Still Apply

It's been illegal to wear armour in Parliament since 1313. This law still exists. Don't test it for your Instagram content – security won't find it amusing. And no, claiming you’re “protecting your energy” won’t get you out of it.

Pigeon Politics

Feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square has been illegal since 2003. The fines can be steep, so resist the urge, no matter how cute they look. 

Royal Bird Bodyguards

Seven ravens live at the Tower of London. Legend says if they leave, the monarchy falls. They're so important that they have a dedicated Ravenmaster whose actual job title is "Ravenmaster of the Tower of London."

Their names change, but currently we've got Jubilee, Harris, Poppy, Edgar, Branwen, Georgie, and Munin. They're clever birds, but only respond to their keeper.

Student Life Reality Check

Accommodation Everywhere

While moving to London for university, accommodation hunting can feel overwhelming with all the options and paperwork. That's why we've put together a complete London student accommodation guide covering everything from contract tips to knowing what to really expect - so you can find your perfect place without the stress.

There are over 40,000 student halls across London. From basic accommodation to luxury studios, there's something for every budget and style. Need help picking the right spot? Check out the best student accommodation in London, ranked for comfort, location, and student ratings.

If you’re after something more upscale, our luxury student accommodation in London roundup covers stylish spaces with premium perks. The best areas to live in London are known for their vibrant atmosphere and student-friendly neighbourhoods.

Education Excellence

London's got 19 universities, including Imperial College (#2 globally) and UCL (#9 globally) in 2025. Over 400,000 students study here annually. That's more than the entire population of most British cities. Find out who stands out in our roundup of the top universities in London. 

With such a massive student community here, you'll never be short of people to hang out with - whether you're bonding over lectures in your common room or exploring London's legendary student scene together.

Transport Perks

Students get 30% off annual travel cards. Students must invest in an Oyster Card to get major discounts on travel in London. The 16-25 UK Student Railcard saves money on National Rail too. Need a full travel breakdown? London public transport guide helps you master buses, bikes, and tubes like a pro.

The Night Tube runs on Friday and Saturday nights on five lines, which is perfect for students' social schedules. Big city life has its risks; this student safety guide for London shares tips for staying safe on late-night commutes and busy streets.

Money Talk

Average student accommodation costs £150 - £850 weekly. Central areas cost more, but you save on transport. Most students spend around £1,200 monthly total, including rent, food, and going out.

Sounds like a lot, but graduate starting salaries in London average £35,000 - that's 40% higher than the UK average. To ease the costs, many students work part-time. Here’s our guide to part-time jobs in London for students, with tips for finding flexible roles.

Surprising Uni Facts

Imperial College London

The robot Olympics started here. Imperial College hosts an annual Student Robot Challenge where students build robots to compete in everything from obstacle courses to sumo wrestling. Engineering meets entertainment!

It has a secret bar named after a guy in a lab coat: The Union Bar on campus still has Ernest Rutherford’s actual lab coat displayed behind glass. Yes, that Rutherford—father of nuclear physics.

University College London (UCL)

University College London has Jeremy Bentham’s actual skeleton on display: His skeleton is dressed and seated inside a wooden cabinet called the "Auto-Icon." His real head was once displayed too (yep), but it's now kept in storage due to, well... theft attempts.

It was the first uni in England to admit students regardless of religion or gender: Founded in 1826, UCL broke norms by welcoming anyone, not just the privileged elite of the time.

King’s College London

The guy who discovered DNA studied at King’s College London. Maurice Wilkins, one of the Nobel Prize winners for the discovery of DNA’s structure, was a lecturer at King's College London.

It has a chapel in the middle of its main building: The College Chapel at the Strand Campus looks like a 19th-century cathedral, located right in the middle of a university hallway. It’s unexpectedly gorgeous.

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The London School of Economics and Political Science has produced 18 Nobel Prize winners. The institution has produced many brilliant alumni in economics, peace, literature, and beyond. Even George Bernard Shaw, playwright and co-founder of LSE, won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Mick Jagger studied here briefly. Before becoming a rock icon with The Rolling Stones, Jagger was enrolled at LSE studying finance. Rock and roll’s loss was econ’s gain—well, almost.

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

The campus used to be a hospital and a Victorian-era almshouse. The old People's Palace was part entertainment hub, part social support centre—now it’s a full-blown university hub in Mile End.

Queen Mary University of London researchers helped confirm the Higgs boson. Yep, the "God Particle." Queen Mary physicists were part of the CERN team that proved it exists, changing particle physics forever.

Food Scene That Never Ends

International Food Paradise

55,000+ restaurants representing basically every cuisine on Earth. Brick Lane's famous for curry houses. Leicester Square has more Chinese restaurants than anywhere outside Asia.

Borough Market dates back to the 13th century and offers free samples. Perfect for students on a budget. Students consistently rate these top London restaurants as their go-to picks for great food.

British Classics Done Right

Fish and chips started in London's East End in 1860. Afternoon tea began at The Langham Hotel in 1865. You can find budget versions everywhere now.

Student-Friendly Options

Chinatown serves proper dim sum from £3. Halal food is everywhere - London has Europe's largest Muslim population outside Turkey. Whatever your dietary needs, you're sorted.

Green Spaces Galore

Parks for Every Mood

3,000 parks and green spaces cover nearly half the city. Richmond Park is the largest, with wild deer roaming about like you're on safari.

Regent's Park houses London Zoo, the world's oldest scientific zoo, since 1828. Hampstead Heath offers the best city views for free. Greenwich Park has the Prime Meridian Line, where you can stand on longitude 0°.

Kew Gardens contains 50,000 plant species. Students get discounted entry, and it's massive enough to spend entire days there.

Tech and Innovation Hub

Digital Leadership

London produces 40% of Europe's tech unicorns (companies worth over $1 billion). Free WiFi across the entire Transport for London network means you can study or stream anywhere.

Surveillance Reality

500,000+ CCTV cameras mean each person gets photographed 50+ times daily. It's one of the highest levels of surveillance of any city in the world, aimed at ensuring public safety.

Financial Powerhouse

The City handles $6.6 trillion daily in foreign exchange. That’s more than New York and Tokyo combined. The Bank of England, established in 1694, is the world's second-oldest central bank. Today, it's a key player in shaping global economic policy and financial regulation.

Sports Heritage

Olympic Legacy

London hosted the Olympics three times: 1908, 1948, and 2012. The only city ever to do that. The 2012 Bell is England's largest bell at 23 tonnes. The 2012 Games also transformed East London, leaving behind world-class sports facilities and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Football Mad

London has 13 professional clubs - more than any other city globally. The first international football match ever was held in London in 1872: England vs Scotland. Wembley seats 90,000 people. You can see its arch from 25 miles away on clear days.

Student Sports

London universities compete in loads of leagues. The Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race attracts worldwide attention. Hyde Park has free tennis courts you can book online. From football to fencing, students can join a wide range of clubs that cater to all skill levels and interests.

Shopping and Entertainment

Shopping Paradise

Oxford Street gets two million visitors weekly. It is Europe's busiest shopping street. Camden Market sells absolutely everything. Harrods covers 4.5 acres across seven floors. Whether you're after designer brands or quirky vintage finds, London offers something for every budget and style.

Theatre Scene

London has 39 professional West End theatres. Students get discounted tickets through various schemes. The Globe Theatre recreates Shakespeare's original venue. Groundling tickets cost just £5. From classic plays to cutting-edge productions, London’s theatre scene is a major part of its cultural life.

Nightlife Options

London has 7,000+ licensed bars and pubs, each with a unique character. Some are over 500 years old. The George Inn dates from 1677. Fabric nightclub fits 2,500 people across three floors. So, whether you're into techno or pub quizzes, our London nightlife guide covers everything you need to know.

Economic Reality

Global Powerhouse

London contributes £496 billion annually to UK GDP - 25% of the entire country's output. The capital hosts 100+ international banks.

International students contribute £3.1 billion yearly to London's economy. You're not just studying here, you're helping power the city.

Property 

Total London property values: £1.8 trillion. That’s more than Brazil's entire GDP. The average house price is £735,000, which is why student accommodation makes so much sense. The city’s high demand and limited space continue to drive prices upward, making rentals a more practical choice for most students.

Future London

Sustainability Goals

London aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. The city already has 50%+ electricity that comes from renewable sources. London plants 10,000+ new trees annually. Initiatives like low-emission zones and cycling infrastructure show London’s commitment to a greener, healthier future.

Infrastructure Expansion

Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) connects 41 stations. Journey times have dropped 50% in many areas. HS2 will get you to Birmingham in 52 minutes by 2029. These upgrades are transforming how students, professionals, and visitors move across the city and beyond.

Conclusion: Why Students Actually Choose London

Sure, London can be hectic and pricey—and yeah, the weather isn’t always your best friend. But for students, it’s still one of the most exciting places to live and learn.

You’re not just getting a degree here. You’re stepping into a global city packed with culture, creativity, and endless opportunity. From world-class universities to late-night food spots and weekend museums, London has a way of making every day feel bigger.

It’s a place where you’ll meet people from every corner of the world, discover passions you didn’t know you had, and grow in new ways. London doesn’t just challenge you, it shapes you. For the full student perspective, our London city guide covers all the essentials, from navigating culture shocks and budgeting tips to hidden-gem cafés and must-know travel hacks. Think of it as your go-to survival kit for making the most of student life in the capital.