London flat question/help for Nervous 'Mum/Mom' in US!

[uromac]

Hi!

Help! I'm a Disney-loving American mom to university age daughter studying abroad for a semester in London. She and her 5 flatmates just gave a deposit on a flat in the Hyde Park Paddington area - Westbourne Terrace W2, to be exact - and all of a sudden I'm nervous as it is near the station! Need advise and or reassurance ASAP as they have to find a flat within 3 days - Also she has to change underground trains to get to her school 'Faraday' House 48 Old Gloucester St, London WC1N 3AE

Thanks in advance!! (and if anyone has questions about New Jersey just ask me

 

[BudgieMama]

What about it being near the station is making you nervous? For me, that would be a bonus in London...

Changing on the underground is normally no problem. The network is designed so that wherever you are and wherever you need to get to, you can do so with only one change (providing the whole network is running).

 

[pampat]

That sounds like a very nice, central area. I'm sure that you have prepared your daughter well so she has enough street smarts to keep her safe but to ensure she has a wonderful time in London. Hopefully it will be something she remembers for the rest of her life!

Pam

 

[uromac]

I appreciate everyone's responses. I know that everything is going to OK, I just was wondering about being near a large metropolitan train station and the characters (not Disney ones ) that may be around that area compared to a smaller tube stop.

I'll let everyone know how move in goes on Saturday!

Thanks again!

 

[Canooknic]

In general, the larger tube stations will be safer than the small ones - you should also feel comfortable with the area that she is moving to, if it was East London (Plaistow for example) you might have reason for concern.

What a great opportunity for your daughter, I hope she has a great time!

 

[BudgieMama]

In general, the larger tube stations will be safer than the small ones

Definitely. Although, all stations are covered by CCTV and are properly monitored, but Paddington is definitely nothing to worry about. I used to travel through Paddington around 10pm every Sunday evening on my own, and never had a problem or felt in danger, and that's one of the quietest times on the stations.

Bizarrely, I saw more "characters" riding the NYC Subway for 6 days than I have in 10 years of riding the tube in London!

 

[Canooknic]

Totally agree!! It was only 'football derby days' that I had any worries about being on the tube.

Where in Sussex are you? I lived in Worthing until 3 years ago.....

 

[tinkerbells mum]

I think generally transport in London is pretty safe but tell her to be careful of pickpockets as in most big cities it is 'big business'. As long as she keeps her bag in front of especially on the escalators and makes sure it is always closed she will be fine, being aware of it is half the battle. Hope she has a great time xx

 

[BudgieMama]

Totally agree!! It was only 'football derby days' that I had any worries about being on the tube.

Where in Sussex are you? I lived in Worthing until 3 years ago.....

Just down the road from Worthing- we're in Yapton

 

[Canooknic]

Just down the road from Worthing- we're in Yapton

It's a Small World!! (I'm sorry, terrible joke, I just couldn't resist!!)

Hope you haven't been hit too bad by the floods - my Dad is in Pulborough and is basically living in a lake!!

 

[uromac]

Hi!

Just wanted to thank everyone again! She just moved into her flat today! Although she just learned that the tube shuts down at Midnight after a night on the town!

Does anyone have any good App recommendations for navigating London, getting around, and good for those new to the UK, etc..

Thanks again !) !!

 

[pampat]

I thought the last Tube was about 1.00 a.m? I know it closes earlier on a Sunday night. The night buses are usually reliable if somewhat an experience!

Pam

 

[torsie24]

London Bus Buddy is an awesome app.

And the official Tube one is good too.