A Northern Line Guide for Students in London

For young people living in student accommodation in London, getting around quickly and safely is a priority. Thankfully, the famous tube network is a blessing for students across the capital. As we begin our new series looking at the best transport options in London, we thought we’d start with a line that goes through the heart of the city, the Northern Line.

This short guide to one of London’s busiest travel networks will help make your journey to and from university simpler, smoother, and dare we say enjoyable.

Why the Northern Line Matters

Including 52 stations on its route that stretches from the leafy suburbs of High Barnet and Edgware to the bustling heart of the city and all the way down to Morden, the Northern Line is one of the most useful Tube lines for students living in London. It connects major university hotspots such as Camden, King’s Cross, and London Bridge. It is also one of only two lines that splits into branches in both the north and the south, can you guess the other?

What makes the Northern Line so helpful is its travel times between key stations like Euston and Bank. It’s late night services also provide a safe route back to your flat following a long day or night on the town.

How to Navigate the Northern Line Like a Local

1. Know Your Branches

As we’ve touched upon already, the Northern Line splits into branches in the north (High Barnet and Edgware) and two in the south (via Bank and Charing Cross). Knowing which train you’re on can save you from going the wrong way at Kennington or Camden Town.

• Top Tip: Use the TfL Journey Planner to check live updates and alternative route options on the move.

2. Save Time with Contactless

There’s no need to use paper tickets or buy weekly travel passes in London! Use your student Oyster card or just tap your contactless bank card for seamless travel around the city. Travel between zones 1 and 2 (which include many student areas) costs just £2.80 during off peak hours.

3. Avoid the Rush Hours

If you can, of course. Weekday mornings (7:30 ’til 9:30) and evenings (17:00 ’til 19:00) are considered ‘rush hours’ in London. Trust us when we say you should avoid travelling at these times if possible.

4. Travel in Groups When You Can

Travelling on the Tube is generally one of the safest ways to get around London; however it’s always best to travel in groups (particularly during the night). This is because stations can be quieter, especially those outside of the city centre.

It’s also just a nice idea to head into town together, even if you have different plans for the day. Think of it as a drive share, just on the train.

For further travel safety information, visit Police.co.uk to read their comprehensive guide to getting around safely.

5. Station Highlights Worth Exploring

With 52 stops to explore, there’s plenty of fun to be had while riding the Northern Line. Here are a selection of station highlights worth exploring:

• Camden Town: Great for vintage stores, street food, and immaculate student vibes.
• Euston Square: Just a short walk from Janet Poole House, and a major national railway station.
• Bank: A link to the DLR and the financial district, as well as the hidden gem of Bank’s underground labyrinth.
• Leicester Square: The beating heart of London’s tourism scene, there’s some truly amazing stores and plenty of entertainment to be found.
• London Bridge: Explore the delights of Borough Market, or travel to the tip of the iconic Shard.

Common Mistakes (And How to Dodge Them)

There’s a number of easy mistakes that we’ve all made at some points while travelling on the underground, here’s a few of the most common and ways you can avoid making them:

• Assuming all the trains go the same way. Spoiler: They don’t. Always check the front of the train you’re planning to get on before doing so.
• Getting off at the wrong “Bank”. This is a local one, but Bank and Monument are basically the same station with a tunnel in between. It can be hard to navigate at first, so give yourself some time if you’re a Tube newbie.
• Not walking between closer stations. For example, the walk between Euston and Warren Street only takes 10 minutes. Save your money and get your steps in.

Tube Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules

Getting around London is easier once you’re in the groove of it, and that includes familiarising yourself with a few unspoken rules of Tube travel.

• Let people off before you get on as this ensures the flow of traffic and avoids doors getting blocked.
• Try to travel without backpacks on. This takes up extra space, and makes you more open to pickpockets during busy hours.
• Stand on the right of the escalators to avoid the wrath of people trying to pass on the left.
• Use headphones when playing music. Nobody wants to hear your tunes, no matter how good they are.
• Keep your feet off the seats. It’s just polite to others wanting to sit there.
• Offer your seat to less able passengers such as elderly, disabled or pregnant people. If you see someone having a tough time, you could make their day with a little kindness.
• Minimal eye contact is normal. It may feel strange at first, but Londoners don’t tend to engage too much when travelling on the Tube.

A little Tube etiquette can go a long way to making your journey a comfortable one. A few simple habits can make sure you feel like a true Londoner while using the underground network.

What Else is Nearby?

Once you’ve mastered the Northern Line, London truly starts to opens its doors to you. Whether you’re living near Angel, or travelling south of the river in Clapham, the Northern Line makes weekend plans and campus travel as simple as can be.

Explore more tips for student life and explore our range of student housing in London. From museums to markets and football to food, the UK’s eclectic capital city is a haven for students from around the world. It’s fantastic travel network is just one reason to move here.

Where the Northern Line Connect to Other Lines

The table below should help you understand how to use the Northern Line to reach some of the other Tube lines in London. Remember, you can use your Oyster Card, or contactless payment across the TfL network, making travel between any of the lines listed below simple.

Northern Line Station	Connects To	Why It’s Useful
King’s Cross St. Pancras	Victoria, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Piccadilly	Huge hub for national rail, universities, and Eurostar
Euston	Victoria	Great for changing lines northbound and for UCL students
Tottenham Court Road	Central, Elizabeth	Ideal for Oxford Street shopping and fast east to west links
Bank / Monument	Central, DLR, Circle, District, Waterloo & City	Fast access to Canary Wharf, City jobs, and river walks
London Bridge	Jubilee	Perfect for heading to Southbank or Wembley Arena
Waterloo	Jubilee, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City	Major transfer hub for gigs, festivals, and national rail
Moorgate	Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan	Handy for City workers and Liverpool Street access
Kennington	Charing Cross/Bank branch split	Know your route, it’s where the line divides
Camden Town	Charing Cross/Bank branch split	Key point for northbound travel and line transfers
Elephant & Castle	Bakerloo	Quick southbound connection for arts venues and markets

Quick FAQ’s

Is the Northern Line 24 Hours?

Yes, but only on Friday and Saturday for key sections (between Morden and High Barnet/Edgware via Charing Cross). Perfect your next plan to explore London’s nightlife.

How do I know which branch to take?

Check the overhead signs and stations maps, or use the TfL Go app.

Can I eat on the Tube?

Technically yes, but we’d recommend being as respectful as possible to other passengers. So, skip anything smelly.

Bonus Local Hotspots to Explore

At some point during your time studying in London, you might want to go off the beaten track and explore some areas less familiar to the wider student population.

These underrated stops make for a different day out, and help you settle into local culture even more:

• Totteridge & Whetstone: Great for a mental rest, take a long walk in the peaceful surroundings before returning to the urban sprawl.
• Goodge Street: Featuring a range of quiet cafés and vintage book shops, this area is an indie lovers dream.
• South Wimbledon: Away from the crowds, Wimbledon is home to cheaper meals out than the city centre and has plenty of great green spaces to discover. It’s also the home of tennis in the UK for sporty students looking for their next day out.
• Mornington Crescent: Similar to Camden Town, but with far less tourists looking to soak in the artsy vibes.

Your Next Stop

Now you’ve got the lowdown on how to successfully navigate the Northern Line, it’s time to hit the tracks. Whether you’re commuting, adventuring, or looking for new plans for you and your friends, a trip on the Northern Line has you covered.

Remember to bring your Oyster, because your next great journey awaits.