The Vibe: A Global Village
London is huge, fast-paced, and historic. While it has a reputation for being expensive, it is actually one of the best cities for students because almost all its world-class museums are free.
Culture & Exploration
• The Free Museum Circuit: You could spend a week just in the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum without spending a penny.
• Sky Garden: Forget the Shard (€40). Book a free ticket for the Sky Garden 3 weeks in advance for the best skyscraper view in London.
• The South Bank Walk: Start at Westminster Bridge and walk all the way to Tower Bridge. You’ll see the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Tate Modern along the way.
Cheap Eats & Student Fuel
• Beigel Bake (Brick Lane): A 24-hour institution. Get the salt beef bagel for around £6.
• Borough Market: Go for the samples! You can often piecemeal a lunch just by trying the artisan cheeses and breads offered by vendors.
• Tesco Meal Deal: The “official” lunch of every UK student. A sandwich, snack, and drink for £3.40 (with a Clubcard).
Entertainment & Nightlife
• The Globe Theatre: Buy “Groundling” tickets for £5 to stand in the yard just like they did in Shakespeare’s time.
• Camden Town: The birthplace of punk. Walk through the Stables Market and catch a live band at The Hawley Arms.
Hikes & Outdoors
• Hampstead Heath: A massive, wild park in North London. Hike to Parliament Hill for a view of the skyline, or swim in the public ponds if you’re brave.
• Richmond Park: See hundreds of wild deer roaming free. It feels like the English countryside but is inside the city.
Where to Sleep
• Wombat’s City Hostel: Located near Tower Bridge, very modern and clean.
• Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage: A beautiful Victorian mansion converted into a hostel.
• Astor Hyde Park: Right next to the museums and the park.
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