Moving away to a big city like London can feel daunting at first, but you’ll quickly realise how much the city has to offer. From pubs, parks, and late-night food spots to world-class music, art, and sport, the London student experience is unlike any other. The city blends historic icons and modern landmarks – from the Tower of London and The British Museum to The Shard and The Walkie Talkie - creating a city that feels both timeless and constantly new. Whether you prefer cute, cosy cafés or chaotic nights out, there’s something for everyone.
Campus life
UCL main campuses are located in Bloomsbury and Stratford (UCL East), with satellite campuses dotted around London, including a space for the School of Management in Canary Wharf and the observatory in Mill Hill. For those of you studying medicine, the teaching hospitals are in Bloomsbury (UCLH), Hampstead (Royal Free), and Archway (Whittington).
The university has a very rich student life, mirroring that of its host city, with over 300 societies, four bars, four Student’s Union cafés, shops, and a gym. There are so many things to check out on the SU “What’s on?” calendar, including events by Project Active and artsUnlocked – initiatives to get students involved in sports and arts.
Favourite place
My favourite place in the city is either Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park. My current flat is 10 minutes from the Heath which makes for a great reset when feeling stressed about uni work. The ponds and lido have a student discount and are great fun in the summer! My friends and I like to go for a swim and then have a picnic on the grass. Richmond Park is also stunning (if you have time to trek out west); you can spot deer and look out over the River Thames. King Henry’s Mound has a protected view of St Paul’s Cathedral through a tree-framed sightline.
An honourable mention is Battersea Park. For those of you that love running, the flat park is a great place to get some exercise in before a trip to the Pear Tree Café, which also has a bar and live music.
Nightlife
You’ll be spoiled for choice for nightlife in London. Of course, there’s the classic SU bars, which run brilliant events throughout the week – notably Jazz Night in Phineas, Sports Night in Phineas, the Huntley and Mully’s, as well as a Quiz Night at the Institute.
There’s a big range of pubs near campus - each with its own vibe. The go-to for UCL students is The Court (on Tottenham Court Road), which is a couple of minutes from the main quad in Bloomsbury. They offer a student discount and show sport. As well as this, London is home to several ‘superclubs’ including The Ministry of Sound in Elephant and Castle, and fabric in Farringdon. Some other great places are Dalston Superstore, Heaven, and Soho for queer-friendly clubbing, The Camden Head and The Lexington for comedy and gigs, and The Cause over in east London which has day-to-night raving.
If you’re after a more wholesome vibe, a personal favourite of mine is the Hemingford Arms in Islington which has a really intimate vibe. Inside, they show sport, host live music events, and even have board games and cards for anyone to use. On this similar vibe (but closer to campus), the Marlborough Arms is a great place for a chill evening.
For the wine drinkers, there is a quirky bar near the UCL Pharmacy Building called WC Wine & Charcuterie. It is a converted Victorian water closet, which makes for a very different venue! You can enjoy a nice glass of wine or cocktail with some cheese and cured meats (other things available too).
Best places to eat
Firstly, I’d like to mention that the UCL campus has some great options for food throughout the day including pizza and a smash burger van, as well as the Wilkins Refectory which has a big variety of choices.
London is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines so whatever you’re in the mood for, there’ll be an amazing restaurant just around the corner! One of my favourites is called Govinda’s, an affordable, vegetarian Indian restaurant 15 minutes away from campus next to Soho Square that is definitely worth checking out. For Chinese food, head to Chinatown and explore the busy streets with a cup of bubble tea in your hand.
Even closer to UCL, on Tottenham Court Road, you’ll find big names like Honest Burger, Wasabi, Rosa’s Thai, and Franco Manca which are safe bets for a good meal. There are two great pasta places called PaStation and Pastino, the latter of which has only recently opened. Pastino often has deals for students where you can get a free bowl of pasta! A favourite among UCL students is B Bagel, which while on the pricier side, serves some of the best bagels I’ve ever had. On the topic of bagels, I’d also recommend exploring Brick Lane, famous for its 'beigels', curry houses, and vintage shops.
Cafés
The first thing you’ll notice about London is that wherever you go, there’s always a Pret-A-Manager. To be honest, I’m yet to understand all the fuss with Pret but one thing I do love is the 99p filter coffee which really helps with the wake up some mornings!
One of my favourites is Caffè Tropea in Russell Square. You can sit outside (when it’s not raining!) and enjoy your coffee with some mini cannoli. Another option is to head to Store Street and try one of the cute places there, although they do tend to be a bit more expensive.
Best walks
You can never go wrong with a walk around Westminster, taking in the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower. Stroll from there, along the embankment, to Somerset House – a neoclassical palace hosting events in its courtyard and the home of the Courtauld Gallery. Or go the opposite direction from the Houses of Parliament and explore St James’s Park and the Green Park.
Another lovely walk is along the Thames Path which stretches from east London to the source of the river. I really like running along the path from Hammersmith to Richmond, getting a coffee in Richmond, and then taking the tube home.
Worst thing
Being one of the biggest cities in Europe, London can get very busy at times, particularly in the touristy areas. Another thing to be careful of is phone snatchers. They often work in small groups and will be on e-bikes. They look for people who are zoned out on their phones while walking and often target internationals. It’s easily avoidable and I suggest trying not to use your phone while on the street.
Best places to live as a UCL student
In the first year of undergraduate degrees, UCL guarantees accommodation to students who made the university their firm choice. They have a variety of options available including small singles, large singles, en-suites, shared bathrooms, and studios. It is also possible to apply to university accommodation after first year, but this is not guaranteed.
After first year, most UCL students will live in north London, in places like Camden, Kentish Town, Archway, and Islington. These areas have a great vibe and are easy locations for getting to campus. Of course, there are many other options, and some people choose to live south of the river in places like Vauxhall and Stockwell.
Unfortunately, all of this comes at a cost. The cost for a flat in London can be from around £200+ per week depending on the property. Cheaper properties do exist, but they are harder to find.
Museums and culture
London is full of history and culture with so many museums and galleries. For art fans, the Royal Academy of Arts and the Tate Britain are a must see. The Columbia Road flower market is a stunning sight, a bright display of colour to brighten your day! For the football fans, the Oof Gallery in the Tottenham Hotspur stadium is a contemporary art gallery focused on football. This is near God’s Own Junkyard, a warehouse/gallery space filled with hundreds of neon signs, vintage film props, and other quirky reclaimed items.
Hidden gems
You’ve probably heard of the Sky Garden – the viewing platform in the City of London – which I would recommend visiting, but if you’re looking for something more spontaneous, try the Garden at 120. It’s a rooftop garden that’s free to visit and doesn’t require advance booking. It’s right opposite the Walkie Talkie and has incredible views of London.
The Barbican Conservatory is another, it has an indoor garden with lots of plants. The Conservatory is located on the top floor of the Barbican Centre, and you’ll have to book a free ticket before arriving.
Finally, Leadenhall Market features old Victorian architecture and is home to pubs, restaurants, and shops here. If this isn’t enough, it features in the Harry Potter films as Diagon Alley!
