What it’s really like to live in London as a film student

What’s it like to live in London?

London is a global hub for film and television production, boasting a thriving industry with world-class studios, iconic filming locations, and a strong creative community. London’s film industry supports numerous jobs, with around 50,000 people employed in production, distribution, and exhibition.

London’s culture 

In London, you’ll be able to experience other cultures in everything from fashion to food to film. Travel just a few stops on the underground and watch your surroundings change completely.

London is often seen as more of a collection of villages – a collision of multiple communities – than a coherent city. Spend any amount of time soaking up Brixton’s electric atmosphere or experiencing the charm of Dalston, and you won’t even realise that you’re just a few miles away from the glass towers of Canary Wharf or townhouses of Kensington.

Cultural spots in London are numerous. South Bank (near Waterloo) is known for its buskers and the Tate Gallery. Head towards Chelsea for the V&A and the Science Museum, or venture to Shoreditch for pop-up events and independent creative spaces.

Cinema in London 

The film and cinema scene in London is vibrant and diverse, expect blockbuster premieres in Leicester Square and independent gems at venues like the BFI Southbank and The Prince Charles Cinema. London is home to world-renowned film festivals like BFI London Film Festival, plus a thriving production industry, with studios like Pinewood and Shepperton located nearby.

With over 100 cinemas to choose from, there’s something for everyone. 

Eating and drinking

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking in London. Some of our favourite places – Park’s Kitchen, Farm W5, and Leila’s Restaurant – are all just a short walk from our campus in Ealing.

Further afield, there’s a wealth of incredible spots to get your foodie fix. Ramo Ramen specialises in Filipino noodle soups, and Dusty Knuckle creates some of the most incredible sandwiches. Alternatively, hit up Bleecker Burger, Rack City Ribs, and Crisp Pizza for all your fast food needs.

Around the corner from MetFilm School is Pret, Sainsbury’s, and many more options to suit any dietary requirements. Of course, our college even has its own café, so you can grab a bite to eat between lectures without leaving home turf.

Elsewhere in London, you’ll find fantastic food markets. Borough Market near London Bridge is heaven for foodies who like their produce fresh, and Tooting Market is bursting with delicious street food from all over the world.

Shopping

London is known for offering a plethora of options when it comes to retail.

Places like Oxford Street, Shepherd’s Bush, and Stratford are home to quintessential tourist shopping locations. One such example is the Westfield shopping mall, one of Europe’s largest. If it’s vintage clothes that you’re after, head to Brick Lane, Deptford Market, or one of the thousands of charity shops in London.

The great outdoors

For those looking for a break from London’s busy streets, there are lots of green spaces to escape to, many of which are just a short hop away on the tube. Just around the corner from the campus, you’ll find Walpole Park and Ealing Green.

Further afield are Battersea Park, Hyde Park, and Holland Park with its Japanese Kyoto Garden. And to the south west, there’s the picturesque Richmond Park, which is famously home to hundreds of deer. In North London, you’ll find Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Waterlow Park, all beautiful in their own way.

It’s easy to forget that there’s stunning countryside just a short train or car journey from London. This includes the Surrey Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), Kent (aka the Garden of England), and the wide-open spaces of Essex, East Anglia, and Sussex.

Getting around

We strongly recommend that you apply for a Student Oyster card at the start of the new academic year to save 30% against the price of adult rate Travelcards and bus and tram passes.

Studying in London is a real adventure – and a perfect way to start your filmmaking journey. To find out more about London, including its facilities, visit the campus page on our website.

Ready to join us?

Whether you’re starting your creative journey or switching paths, Clearing is open now – and there’s still time to apply for one of our undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

Explore our London campus at an upcoming Open Day.

Contact our Admissions Team on 01273 096406 – or email us at admissions@metfilm.ac.uk – for any questions and to discuss your options. We can’t wait to welcome the next generation of London filmmakers!