9 Unique Things You'll Love About Studying in London

Image by Simon James on July 2009

From rowdy pub-quizzes to craft brews and slick decors, there’s a London pub to suit every taste. If you fancy a quiet pint, a roaring coal fire and stained glass windows, London is awash with great historical pubs, some dating back to the Middle Ages - all with a unique story to tell.

If you’re in the mood to explore every nook and cranny of a venerable London institution, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street is a great place to start. Initially built in 1538 only to be rebuilt after the great fire of London in 1667, it has vaulted cellars, interior wood paneling and a labyrinth of dimly-lit rooms.

Pictured above: view of the Shard from Regent’s Park

You’d be forgiven for assuming that big city-dwellers aren’t used to spending time in nature, but Londoners are proud of their parks. The amount of green space in London is mind-boggling (just under 50 percent of the city is green), and wherever you are in the capital, you’ll find at least one major park within walking distance

Among them, Regent’s Park is one of the loveliest picnic spots in London. This 395-acre slab of green has a lake with a choice of pedalos and row boats, an open-air theatre which operates in the summer months, a tennis and netball court, as well as football, rugby and lacrosse pitches.   

Pictured above: the British Library’s book tower  

London is home to a number of spectacular libraries with impressive book collections and stunning architecture, such as the Senate House, the National Art Library and the British Library, a gorgeous building which boasts the largest collection of books and recordings in the world.

The British Library has five floors available to the public, 11 reading rooms and rare items, such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebook, an original handwritten copy of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and the Magna Carta.

Pictured above: food stall in Borough Market

London has one of the best food scenes in the world - from Michelin restaurants and food institutions like The Ivy to Instagram-friendly street vendors, there is something to suit every taste and budget.

Situated next to London Bridge station, Borough Market has been around for a thousand years. It’s one of the oldest and most renowned food markets in Britain and sells fresh breads, cheeses, fruits, vegetables and meats, as well as street food inspired by recipes from around the world.

If you’re in the mood for world street food, head to the food stalls in Borough Market to feast for less than a tenner (US$14).

Pictured above: a double-decker bus in Knightsbridge

Which are the best seats on a double-decker? All Londoners tend to have an opinion of their own on this contentious subject, as you will no doubt discover, but the front seat on the top deck will give you a panoramic view of London and the thrill of being king/queen of the bus.

If you’re in the mood to get comfortable and watch London roll by, route 15 will take you to Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Paul’s, Waterloo Bridge and Trafalgar Square, all for the reasonable price of £1.50 (US$2).

Pictured above: Beyonce performing Crazy in Love in London at the O2 Arena in London

The capital’s music venues have played a part in launching some the most celebrated bands in history, from the Rolling Stones appearing at the Marquee Jazz Club in 1962 to Kate Bush appearing at the Half Moon in Putney.

Today, London caters to virtually every genre under the sun and hosts the hottest gigs and music festivals in the world. The world’s most famous bands continue to grace London stages, from Tame Impala who will be headlining Citadel Festival this year, to Beyoncé, who will be playing London this June.