A bus passes St Paul's Cathedral

Explore London

Make the most out of studying and living in this great capital city

Studying at our West London campus means you have central London right on your doorstep.

As a student, you can enjoy all London has to offer thanks to a wide range of free and discounted entertainment.

Galleries and museums

The interior of the Natural History Museum

London is full of cultural hot spots, many of which will let you in for free. You can soak up the artwork and artefacts on display and get inspired. Take a look at our list of some of London's most exciting museums and galleries.

Please check on venue websites directly for opening hours and charges where applicable.

  • Sir John Soane's Museum

    This fantastic house was designed by the architect and collector Sir John Soane, containing his paintings, prints and archaeological specimens from around the world, including an Egyptian sarcophagus in the basement.

    • Entry: Free
    • Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP

    Please check the venue's website directly for opening hours and charges where applicable.

  • The Victoria and Albert Museum

    This world-famous museum is dedicated to the history of design and craft. The museum includes a room dedicated to objects from all around the world, as well as collections of sculpture, photography, costume and ceramics. Seek out the glass gallery; it’s spectacular.

    • Entry: Free
    • Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

    Please check the venue's website directly for opening hours and charges where applicable.

  • Natural History Museum

    This fascinating museum is dedicated to the history of the Earth, including plants, animals, dinosaurs and geology. The great hall with its gigantic blue whale skeleton is a must-see.

    • Entry: Free
    • Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington SW7 5BD

    Please check the venue's website directly for opening hours and charges where applicable.

  • The Science Museum

    The Science Museum is devoted to all aspects of science and technology with great interactive galleries, a huge IMAX cinema and a programme of changing exhibitions.

    • Entry: Free
    • Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD

    Please check the venue's website directly for opening hours and charges where applicable.

  • The British Museum

    This museum is dedicated to the archaeology and history of civilizations worldwide. The collections from Egypt and Babylon are particularly stunning.

    • Entry: Free
    • Address: Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG

    Please check the venue's website directly for opening hours and charges where applicable.

  • Tate Modern

    This gallery of modern art is housed in the once disused Bankside Power station. They have regular large-scale installations in the massive Turbine Hall.

    • Entry: Free
    • Address: Bankside, SE1 9TG

    Please check the venue's website directly for opening hours and charges where applicable.

  • The National Gallery

    The National Gallery houses the national collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

    • Entry: Free
    • Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN

    Please check the venue's website directly for opening hours and charges where applicable.

Theatres

A theatre stage with actors and a view of the audience

Are you a theatre-mad student? You can get your thespian fix without breaking the bank. These London-based theatres have some great budget options.

Please check on venue websites directly for opening hours and charges where applicable.

Cinemas

Cinema seats at an auditorium

Are you a movie fanatic? Almost every town and city will have a cinema with films from around the world. Hollywood releases will be easy to find, but major cities also have cinemas specialising in foreign and independent films.  

Here's a pick of the best cinemas in London, including outdoor screens, immersive pop-up experiences and historic movie theatres:

  • Best independent cinemas in London

    Rich Mix

    • Get cultural at Rich Mix, a thriving community arts space in Shoreditch. Alongside three screens showcasing the latest blockbusters and independent films, the creative hub is home to three bars and has a programme of spoken word, theatre and live music.  

    The Prince Charles Cinema

    • Tucked away behind Leicester Square, you can find cheap tickets and vocal crowds at independent cinema The Prince Charles Cinema. Sing along to favourite musicals, including Dirty Dancing and the Rocky Horror Picture Show, or put on your pyjamas for one of its all-night movie marathons.

  • Luxury cinemas with sofas and dining

    Electric Cinema Portobello

    Snuggle up under cashmere blankets on a luxurious front-row bed, armchair or sofa at Electric Cinema Portobello. This Edwardian cinema is one of the oldest in London and is the perfect place for a romantic date, offering beautiful decor and a bar stocked with champagne and other tipples.  

    Everyman Screen on the Green 

    Enjoy cinema dining at Everyman Screen on the Green, where you can order food to your chair while watching the big screen. Opened in 1913, this iconic cinema shows a mixture of mainstream movies and arthouse films and often attracts top directors for Q&As.

  • London cinemas steeped in history

    Regent Street Cinema

    Make a pilgrimage to Regent Street Cinema, known as "the birthplace of British cinema." It was the first cinema in the UK to show moving pictures when it screened the Lumière brothers’ show in 1896. Admire the beautiful auditorium before watching an alternative film.

    Ritzy Picturehouse

    Watch the latest films, world movies and documentaries at the unique Ritzy Picturehouse. This historic cinema opened in 1911 and retains its original proscenium arch. After catching a film, head to Upstairs at The Ritzy for live music, comedy festivals and dance workshops.

  • Immersive cinema experiences

    Backyard Cinema 

    Find themed sets and drinks at Backyard Cinema's film events in London. Past showcases include screenings of Romeo + Juliet at a beautiful church with a live choir and Christmas films in a magical winter garden.

    Secret Cinema 

    Enter the world of your favourite flicks with Secret Cinema. Merging film, theatre, art, music and dance, the immersive experience allows you to be part of the movie, with fantastic sets in secret locations across London. Past films to be brought to life include Moulin Rouge, Star Wars and Ghostbusters.

Shopping

Exteriors of shops in Camden with bright decorations

London has an exciting and varied range of shopping experiences from high end to quirky. There is almost certainly something for every budget and taste.

If you apply for an NUS TOTUM card you will qualify for student discounts and save even more on your retail therapy...

  • Oxford Street and Regent Street

    Home to the flagship stores of some of fashion's biggest brands and shopping giants like Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty and Apple Store Oxford Street and Regent street are the perfect destinations for the seasoned shopper.

  • One New Change

    An exclusive shopping centre close to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Take the lift to the top floor and there is a free public balcony where you get a great view of the city of London and the Cathedral.

  • Westfield

    For those of you who prefer a one stop shop for all your retail needs, there are two Westfield shopping centres – one in west London (Shepherd's Bush) and the other in the east (Stratford).

  • Carnaby Street

    Nip into Carnaby Street, in the heart of London's West End and a stone's throw away from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus. Once the playground for swinging London, as well as rockers, mods, punks and skinheads, shop here and get a little slice of history.

  • Covent Garden

    Add Covent Garden on your list of places to visit and shop. You have alfresco buskers offering free entertainment at the central piazza and will be surrounded by famous theatres, plus places to eat and shop.

  • Boxpark

    This former shipping container is now a pop up mall for independent and global lifestyle, fashion and street food. Check out these innovative spaces for an unforgettable and unique experience.

  • London markets

    If you're searching for vintage treasure, hand-crafted one-off pieces, or you simply want to meander around at your own pace, then check out London's markets.

    For an edgy vibe with an alternative scene try Camden Market. If you like history and a good rummage around, Spitalfields Market is one of London's oldest markets with a hotchpotch of market stalls.

    Foodies should visit Borough Market on an empty stomach; you'll find a smorgasbord of traders selling edible goodies. Portobello Market, meanwhile, is full of character and boho charm, plus the setting for many films. You can walk from Notting Hill to Portobello Green and explore food, fashion and antiques in one of London's coolest locations.

Parks

Group of students walking together

One of the best things about living and studying London is that a major park is always close to hand. Exploring the parks is completely free and a great escape from the buzz of the city.

Support for students travelling around London

london

There are various forms of transport available in London, so at first it can be confusing. But don’t worry, our handy list can help you get to where you want to go easily. 

Our West London campus has sites in Ealing and Brentford, and both are served by excellent public transport links as well as a range of sustainable transport options. Here’s everything you need to know about getting around:

  • Public transport

    Getting around London is confusing if you don’t know where you are going – we recommend downloading a journey planning app that will tell you exactly how to get where you are going. CityMapper is one of the best for London. 

    One of the most used forms of transport in England’s capital is the London Underground service (the ‘Tube’). The Underground is intimidating at first but, trust us, it will become second nature to you. The local Tube lines to our sites are the Central line (red line), the District line (green line), Elizabeth line (purple line) and the Piccadilly line (navy blue line). 

    London has various bus routes, many of which have 24-hour services. You can either pay with your Oyster card or with a contactless card. Cash is not accepted on London buses.

  • Student Oyster cards

    In order to travel on Transport for London (TfL) services, you either need a pre-paid ticket, a contactless card or an Oyster card. Oyster cards are used by most people and can be used for the Underground, London Overground, national rail and buses.

    Oyster cards are prepaid cards that are topped up online, at stations, newsagents, etc. Tariffs vary depending on the time of day and the zone that you are travelling to. However, as a student, you can apply for a Student Oyster card which gives you 30% off the price of adult rate Travelcards and bus and tram pass season tickets.

  • UWL shuttle bus service

    The University provides a free shuttle bus service for students and staff between Ealing Broadway station and our Ealing and Brentford sites.

  • Taxis

    Black cabs are an iconic form of transport in London, but you can also use Uber, Bolt, OLA or ViaVan, as they may be more budget friendly.

    We strongly advise that students do not use unlicensed mini cabs. 

  • Cycling

    Cycling is one of the fastest, most convenient and cheapest ways of travelling to your destination in London.

    The University encourages staff and students to cycle between our campuses. We have a high number of cycle storage racks as well as shower facilities across our campus in St Mary’s Road, Paragon House and Fountain House.

    Dedicated safer cycling and walking routes have been designed by the University and in collaboration with local authorities.

Travelling outside London

A passenger waiting for a train at a station.

National Rail

It is possible to get to most areas of the UK by train using the national railways. Check out the National Rail website for departures and booking tickets. You can also apply for a 16-25 Railcard which gives you 1/3 off rail travel in the UK if you are between 16 and 25 years old.

Student stories

Afnan, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student, tells us her five favourite free things to do in London.

Student stories

Ellen, Acting and Theatre-Making student, talks about her experience of moving from a small town to London to join UWL.

Student stories

Caleb, MSc Digital Marketing student, gives us his top tips and travel hacks for getting around London. From using the Tube to riding electric bikes, Caleb talks us through the options you have when exploring the city.

Come visit us and see for yourself

Book onto our next open day to look around the campus and facilities and find out more about what it is like to study at UWL.

Book your place at the next open day