Unsure about firming UCL for Theoretical Physics. How is the London vibe, social life, and burnout concerns?

Hi guys, Of course! Here's the updated first paragraph with that added in:

Hi guys,

So I just got accepted at UCL for Theoretical Physics and honestly... I’ve got pretty mixed feelings. For context, I don’t live in the UK and have never been to London. On one hand, I really want the top facilities and resources that UCL promises for Physics, and honestly, I just want to get the hell out of my small town and small school. Everyone I know keeps telling me I have to firm UCL because "lol it's prestigious" and “think of all the opportunities,” but I’m just not sure if London is actually the vibe.

I’ve been reading a lot on Reddit and keep seeing people say it can feel pretty lonely – like yeah, you meet loads of people, but it’s hard to build deep connections. And socially, it seems kind of rough with everything being so spread out and expensive.

Which brings me to my next question: is it really that crazy expensive? Has it been a serious financial struggle for anyone?

But my biggest concern is free time. I’m in IB right now, grinding hard for top grades, but I’m genuinely feeling burned out. I’ve always told myself that once I get to uni I want to actually chill a bit — make time for music, meet people, have a social life, and not just be working 24/7. I’m worried that UCL + London life might just keep that burnout going instead of easing up.

Would seriously love to hear from anyone who’s been at UCL, is there now, or just living in London in general. Is it worth it?

For further context, other offers I've received are from Bristol, Bath and Warwick. Would you choose these over UCL?