My Journey as a Nigerian Student Living in London

Moving to London from Nigeria was like stepping into a different universe. I had always heard about the big city and its endless possibilities, but nothing could prepare me for the realities of actually living here. I chose to live off-campus instead of in university student accommodation, and let me tell you, that decision was a rollercoaster of lessons. If you’re a future Coventry University London student considering the same, this post is for you. I’m not here to sell you dreams; I’m here to tell you the raw truth about what it’s really like, and I would advise you to consider living in university accommodation.

The Rent Reality: A Hard Pill to Swallow

The first wake-up call? Rent. In Nigeria, I could stretch my budget and still live comfortably. But in London? The rent was eye-watering, and that’s before you even think about utilities or transport. I remember my first flat search. I couldn’t believe the prices. Estate agents weren’t exaggerating; the rent was actually that high! My advice? Don’t just prepare to pay a lot. Prepare to pay more than you ever imagined. Want to save a bit? Be ready to share space or live on the outskirts of the city. Trust me, if you’re budgeting, you'll soon learn that every extra cost, from bills to transport, can either leave you eating gourmet meals or stuck with instant noodles.

Cheap Eats: My Simple Survival Guide

I didn’t bring a cookbook to London. Heck, I didn’t even know what a ‘meal plan’ was! Back home in Nigeria, food was never an issue, the street vendors had me covered. But in London, I had to learn quickly. My go-to was rice. It's cheap, filling, and hard to mess up. I’d mix it with frozen vegetables, a bit of spice, and sometimes some chicken from the local takeaway. It was cheap, but it kept me alive. If you want to save, buy your rice, spices, and frozen veg in bulk, and don’t even think about eating out every day unless you’ve got an endless supply of cash. One of my best survival tips? The Chinese grocery stores near campus, you’ll thank me later.

Building Your Crew When You Don’t Have Flatmates

Living off-campus meant no easy bonding moments with flatmates. No midnight chats or accidental laughs over dirty dishes. At first, I was worried about being lonely. But then I remembered: London is full of people. It’s easy to feel isolated, but you’ve got to make the effort to show up. I threw myself into university events. I wasn’t about to be the person standing in the corner. Those early weeks? They were when I met the people who would become my crew. Join a society, go to a workshop, or just talk to someone new. Everyone’s nervous and in the same boat, and once you get involved, the city doesn’t feel as big and cold.

Street Smarts: Staying Safe While You Explore

In Nigeria, we learn early to keep our heads up and be aware of our surroundings. That skill has served me well in London. While I’ve never had a problem, I don’t take safety for granted. There are just a few basic rules I follow: avoid dark alleys at night, keep your phone out of sight on crowded trains, and always trust your gut. London is a safe city in general, but you don’t want to walk around blindly. Keep your confidence up, know your route, and keep your valuables hidden. It’s all about being street-smart.

Wrapping Up: The London Experience You Won’t Forget

Living off-campus in London hasn’t been easy. It’s not cheap, and it can feel lonely. But looking back, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I’ve learned to budget, cook (kind of), make friends from all over the world, and navigate this massive city on my own terms. If you’re from Nigeria or anywhere else, here’s my advice: Save more than you think you need, keep your meals simple, show up to university events, and keep your wits about you on the streets. London will test you, but in the end, it will shape you into a stronger, smarter person.

Author: Elijah Folajimi

Author Bio: Elijah Folajimi is a first-year student studying BA Global Business and Management. Originally from Nigeria, he enjoys sharing his experiences with fellow students while balancing his academic journey. Elijah is passionate about navigating life as an international student in London and hopes his story helps others in similar situations.

You can find more information on our Coventry University London and CU London (Dagenham and Greenwich) accommodation webpages.