Living in London means two things: you’ll never be bored, and you’ll never stop tapping that Oyster card. When it comes to getting around, the University of Westminster is stupidly well-connected — like, “you-have-no-excuse-to-be-late” levels of connected. Whether you’re based near Regent Street, Cavendish, Marylebone, or even Harrow (yep, we see you), the transport options are so solid it almost makes you forget you’re paying £15 a day just to exist.
If you're going to survive student life in Central London, you better get comfy with the Tube map — and a healthy fear of signal failures.
Tube Life: It’s a Whole Personality
Let’s start with the icon: the London Underground. The Bakerloo, Central, Jubilee, Victoria, and Metropolitan lines are all within walking distance of most Westminster campuses. Translation: whether you’re headed to lectures, part-time jobs, or panic-buying meal deals at 9 PM, there’s always a train ready to whisk you there — probably with a delay and some weird announcements, but it’ll get you there.
Oxford Circus and Regent’s Park stations are closest to the main campuses.
Great Portland Street, Baker Street, and Marylebone serve the north-west campuses like Cavendish and Marylebone.
If you’re at the Harrow campus, you’ll mostly rely on the Metropolitan Line — slower, but still solid.
Word of warning: rush hour is a contact sport. Avoid unless you enjoy standing face-to-armpit with strangers.
Buses: The Underdog You’ll Eventually Love
Everyone talks about the Tube, but don’t sleep on the bus network. It’s cheaper, often less chaotic, and has the added bonus of, y’know, windows. London buses go basically everywhere, and most Westminster campuses have major stops right outside.
You’ll want to get familiar with buses like the 88, 453, 18, 205, and 74 — depending on your campus and where you live. Yes, they’re slower than the Tube, but they run 24/7 and don’t turn into saunas during summer.
Bonus: night buses exist, so your post-club journey home doesn’t have to involve Uber regret.
Trains: For the Campus Outliers
If you’re at the Harrow campus, you're looking at a different set-up. The National Rail from London Marylebone or Overground services from Kenton and Harrow-on-the-Hill are your go-tos. They’re less frequent than the Tube but get the job done — just don’t expect Hogwarts Express vibes. More like slightly tired commuter energy.
Cycling: If You Like Main Character Energy
Got a bike? Brave. London isn’t always cycle-friendly, but if you’re careful (and own a solid lock), it’s a great way to save money, dodge delays, and pretend you live in a European indie film. Westminster’s central campuses all have bike racks and Santander Cycles (aka Boris Bikes) nearby — perfect for casual rides or sprinting to class after oversleeping.
Walking: Yes, That’s Still a Thing
One of the perks of living near the University of Westminster? You can genuinely walk to a lot of places. Central London’s layout means your accommodation, lectures, gym, and favourite overpriced café might all be within a 15-minute stroll. Plus, walking’s free, comes with zero TfL drama, and gives you time to rehearse that presentation in your head before you panic.
Travel Costs: Budgeting Reality Check
As a student, the 18+ Oyster photocard is your golden ticket — 30% off adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes. Apply early, use it often, and don’t lose it unless you want your weekly budget to combust.
There are also weekly and monthly caps if you use contactless — so the more you travel, the less each trip costs (kind of). Set up auto top-up so you don’t get caught in front of the gates like a confused NPC.
Getting around as a Westminster student is easy, fast(ish), and mostly predictable — unless it’s raining, there’s a Tube strike, or Mercury’s in retrograde. But with so many transport options, you’ll never be stranded… just occasionally delayed.