1. ALL the galleries and museums
And yes, we really mean all. It feels like a trick, but the majority of galleries in London offer a range of exhibits completely free of charge. Daydream in front of Dali at Tate Modern, walk among ancient Egyptians at the British Museum, or have a day out with Darwin at The Natural History Museum. You’d be letting the world down if you didn’t make the most of these prominent places right on your doorstep.
2. Walk, walk, walk
The skyline and hidden streets of the city are iconic, mesmerising and what make London special. It’s easy to hop on the tube, but why would you when you can take in the sights above ground! You may not think it, but a lot of the tube stations are super close to each other. A walk from Green Park to Covent Garden is less than 20 minutes! So. Use. Those. Legs. Walk along the Thames Path to Greenwich or through the winding streets of Soho. From Mile End Park down Regents Canal to Kings Cross. Who knows what you’ll spot or how many magical places you’ll discover. Need help finding new places? No worries! Plus, keep an eye out for our Wellbeing Walks, hosted by our VP Welfare, that happen frequently, starting on campus. This is a great chance to discover new spots, make friends and take care of your mental health!
3. Feel like an Olympian
Now is your time to shine and go for gold status with your friends by saying you’ve not only been to the Olympic Park, but also swum in the pool and used all the facilities too. With the ArcelorMittel Orbit a must-see piece of architecture (and the world's largest tunnel slide.. Yes, you can really slide down it!), the park boasts many attractions, and the London Aquatics Centre is an essential visit for anyone looking to work out or have fun in style. With swim sessions only £6 and student swim memberships on offer, you can use world-class facilities without worrying about your bank account. The Olympic Park is a great outdoor space for cycling and walking too. 2012 eat your heart out! Did you know some of our Sports Clubs, such as our Hockey team, also run their regular training and matches at the Olympic Park? Fancy, we know.
4. Green spaces
London is the greenest city in Europe. Fact. With 3,000 parks to choose from, there will be a green space just a short walk away from wherever you are in the city. FYI, for every person (8.9 million) there is a tree (8.4 million). It doesn’t get greener than that. And although the weather isn’t perfect all the time living in England, you can be sure to find great cafés, boating lakes, climbing walls and more to keep you out in the open, whatever the weather.
5. Fun for foodies
Head to one of London’s many markets and sample some of the tastiest and most experimental cuisine, whatever your taste. You can’t just live on pesto pasta forever. Spitalfields, Borough, Broadway and Greenwich Market all have a diverse range of food which will make your mouth water so much the only thing to solve it is by putting so much food in your mouth it doesn’t dribble out. The best thing about these markets? They offer free samples. Yes, we really mean it. If you want the experience but need to watch your wallet, you could sample the goods without buying!