Our Moorgate and Bloomsbury campuses are set in England’s vibrant capital of London. As a thriving centre for many businesses and organisations you can take full advantage of both the educational and employment opportunities it brings. However, all work and no play isn’t good for anyone so, apart from your education, here are just some of the reasons you should study in London.
By Cara Fielder. Published 5 August 2019. Last updated 21 October 2024.
Shopping
There’s every kind of shopping experience under the sun in London. If you want something alternative and quirky simply hop on the tube to Camden and check out the home of Cyberdog, Dr Martens and the infamous Camden Market. With hundreds of shops and stalls, there are so many unique and unusual items here, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
For tech and street style shopping, head to the uber-hipster Shoreditch, where you’ll find a stylish mix of vintage clothing and indie boutiques (keep your eyes peeled for some of the best London street art in this area too). Wander the streets around Covent Garden for stunning jewellery or head to Carnaby Street for music and some great vintage clothing.
If you’d rather have all your shopping under one roof then look no further than the behemoth that is Westfield London. This giant shopping centre is home to more than 300 stores from high-end labels to high street classics.
Last but by no means least there’s Primark’s flagship branch in Oxford Street. This is a huge two-story shop where you can pick up wardrobe basics or the latest fashions at bargain prices. If you’ve recently moved into digs or a new home with friends then this is also a great place to pick up all your basic homeware needs to make a house a home on a budget.
Sightseeing
Whether you’re a student from the UK or visiting us from abroad, you need to treat yourself to a London tour. They’re funny, informative and a great way to see the sights of the British capital.
Choose a niche and there will most likely be a tour for it in London. From infamous Jack the Ripper tours and general historical walks to Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter themed adventures, there’s something for everyone.
If you want to stay traditional you can’t go wrong with a classic London open-top bus tour. There’s plenty out there but we’d recommend the ‘hop on, hop off’ buses so you can spend as much time as you want in your favourite areas.
If you fancy something a bit creepier check out The Ghost Bus Tour, where you’ll hear stories from London’s murky past, including execution, murder and hauntings. This isn’t just a tour but a sightseeing show with actors and onboard technical trickery. Or, if you fancy taking a trip on the Thames, try the Ghost Boat of London. This walking tour guides you around some of the most haunted locations in London and ends with a cruise down one of the most famous rivers in the world.
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing then Sky Garden is a must. It’s the highest public garden in London, offering stunning 360 degree views of the city. The best part? It’s free to visit. However, it can get extremely busy, so booking is advised. Once you’re up above the city streets you can meander through the lush greenery, beyond which lie sights such as Tower Bridge and the Shard.
Museums and Galleries
London is home to many museums and galleries and with several offering free entry (bookable through their respective websites) they present the perfect escape on a rainy day in the capital. Your first stop should be the Natural History Museum, which offers visitors a glimpse into human evolution, the animal kingdom, and the natural world. Even the building itself is impressive and, with so much on display, you could spend days lost in the halls of history. If science is more your thing, then you could visit the Science Museum. With exhibits on everything from space and technology, to medicine and robotics, you’re bound to find something to pique your interest.
Alternatively, if you have a love of art then the National Gallery is a must. The gallery is home to works by Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Turner, Rembrandt, Monet, and many more world renowned artists. That said, if you prefer to explore contemporary art and artists, visit the Tate Modern. Formerly the Bankside Power Station, the building was repurposed, and the gallery opened in 2000, and has been the home to some of the most significant works of modern art.
It would also be a crime to miss out on the historic Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The original construction was created back in 1599 by Shakespeare’s playing company. This stunning open-air amphitheatre runs much loved tours, holds performances of Shakespeare’s plays and other theatrical and literary-based lectures and events. The theatre releases tickets at just £5 for every performance, perfect for cultured students on a budget.
Food and Drink
London is one of the greatest cities in the world for food. No matter what your tastes or culinary requirements, you’ll find something to delight and savour in London. If there’s one location that foodies need to visit, it’s Borough Market. Whether it’s the finest, freshest ingredients or you’re on a mission to taste some of the best delicacies London has to offer, Borough Market will not disappoint. Not only is this a great place to eat it’s also a great place to learn. Check out their website for dates of their numerous demonstrations, workshops and tours of the market.
For incredible food on a budget, you can’t go far wrong in the Soho/Chinatown area. Bao in Soho is arguably the best place to pick up Taiwanese style buns and Café TPT or Four Seasons in Chinatown offer mouth-watering Cantonese and Chinese delicacies, both with competitively priced menus.
If you want to play Hungry Hippos whilst munching on tacos or find the Cluedo killer whilst chomping on churros, Draughts is the place for you. Their Waterloo bar is set in a converted railway tunnel and hosts a library of over 1000 games for you to choose from.
You simply can’t come to the UK without visiting a traditional British pub for a pint and some hearty grub. Out of such a varied selection, it's hard to know where to begin. However, Marksman on Hackney Road has won pub of the year and is well known for its incredible food. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street was rebuilt shortly after the Great Fire of 1666 and is perfect for book lovers as past patrons include Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and G.K. Chesterton. If you’re looking for one of the best beer selections in London then look no further than the Earl of Essex in Islington. Not only will you be spoilt for choice but every dish on their food menu is matched to one of 20 craft brews.
Finally, BOXPARK offers a great place to socialise and hang out. With three locations across the capital (Croydon, Shoreditch, and Wembley), each site offers a wide range of shopping options, international street food vendors, activities, and bars. Each BOXPARK location also offers a year round schedule of live music and entertainment. Make sure to check the listings regularly so you and your friends don’t miss out.
Book your place on one of our Bloomsbury or Moorgate open days to discover more about studying in London.
