Life In London

Learning London

CityMapper is an excellent app for navigating the city. It'll tell you about the best routes for getting to your destinations, how to get to places for a specific time, and if/when tube lines aren't running.

• Use on Web
• Download for iPhone
• Download for Android

Take the Thames

Uber offer a boat service via Thames Clipper that means you can sail your way around London. Use this as a unique way to get to campus, or a fun thing to do to see all the riverside sites of London. You can check out the route and get more information on CityMapper. The closest dock to the LSE campus is Embankment or London Eye (Waterloo).

Explore the skies

Ever fancied seeing Docklands from above? Take a short trip across the Thames on the IFS Cable Car, running between Greenwich Peninsula and IFS Royal Docks. Oyster Cards are accepted on this journey.

Railcards

If you will be using the London Underground frequently, we recommend getting a 16-25 railcard. You can purchase these online here. You can then connect this to your Oyster Card – do this by going to any major station, talking to a member of TFL staff, and they will connect it for you. This will you up to a 1/3 off off-peak travel on the Underground. The rail card will also get you 1/3 off all trains around the UK. Purchase your tickets via the Trainline, and you can apply your discount when you book.

On your bike

London is one of the most accessible cities in the world for cyclists, due to its ever-increasing amount of cycle lanes, and is also one of the best and cheapest ways to see the city. Lime, Forest, and Voi are all available for E-Bike and E-Scooter hire, with some of them even offering student discounts on rates. TFL Santander Bikes are also dotted around many locations – be aware that many of these services require a driving license authentication before riding, so make sure to sign up in advance. Also make sure to stay safe on the roads – here’s how.

Free to do

Museums

London is home to some of the best museums, most of which are free to enter. Whether you like history, art, science, or all of the above, you can see which the best free museums are to visit here.

Views

Soak up the iconic views of London from different points throughout the city. Take a walk across any of London's 35 bridges for a riverside ramble, venture to some of the biggest hills (Greenwich Park in the South East, Parliament Hill or Primrose Hill in the North West) for a grassy gaze, or book tickets for London’s highest Sky Garden for a scope around central.

Sports

The best way to get around London for free is to run!

London is home to 64 parkrun courses, which is a free, weekly timed 5k. There are also plenty of run clubs around, which is a brilliant way to make new friends.

If running isn't your thing, then you can now book free tennis courts at your local park on the weekend. You can find out more about this here.

Parks

London is a garden city, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to parks.

Whether it's one of the grander Royal Parks, or something more local to you, getting to know your local park is vital for all Londoners. Just make sure to prioritise your safety, especially at night!

Keeping safe

Your safety is our top priority, and whether you're going out for a big night, or just popping round to see a friend, staying vigilant will help you to have a better time.

Take a look at this article by Neighbourhood Watch, listing out some top tips on how to stay safe on a night out as a student.

Costs some money

West End Shows

Seeing a performance in the iconic West End doesn't have to cost the earth. A lot of places around Theatreland offer discounted tickets if you buy on the day, and some may even offer student discount prices. You can also often get cheaper tickets to smaller performances, such as plays.

Historical London

Why not learn the long, long history of the capital by taking a guided walking tour – this is also a great way to learn the lay of the city. Or why not visit historical sites such as the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and so many more!

Top Secret Comedy

In need of a good laugh after a stressful week? Check out the Top Secret Comedy Club, an intimate venue where you may end up seeing some big names, or discovering someone new. Their flagship isn't far away on Drury Lane, but there is now a new venue on Kingsway just opposite the LSE campus!

Nightlife

Join a sports club

Club/AU events are always the highlight of the week! You'll never have a boring Wednesday again thanks to weekly nights out at local bar, SWAY.

Going 'out-out'

London is home to some of the most famous clubs in the world, and now they're right on your doorstep! Ministry of Sound, Scala, Fabric, Jazz Café, and Koko are all fairly local and certainly worth a visit.

If you're more into a 'bar' vibe, then check out Simmons Bar on Kingsway – drinks are always 2-4-1 if you're a student (as long as you show a valid student ID.)

Pub trips

You'll never be short of pubs in London, that's a guarantee! There are plenty of local boozers near campus, such as Wetherspoon's Shakespeare's Head or Penderals Oak, George IV or Ye Old White Horse (located on campus!), and many, many more – of course not forgetting the Three Tuns!

Take a look at The Lonondist Pub Guide, where you can search by area and find your new favourite watering hole.

Gigs and concerts

London is frequented by some of the best artists in the world. From the most intimate of gigs, to gigantic stadium concerts, making the time to see some of your favourite singers is an absolute must. Take a look at what is coming up, and make sure you don't miss out!