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Top picks of culture near campus on a budget

Aino Hovinen
Second-year undergraduate History student

23 August 2021

London has often been described as the cultural capital of the world, and for a good reason. As a thriving and vibrant city, it offers plenty to do and see for both newcomers and those who have lived here for longer. Here, I share some of my top tips on how to make the most of the culture in the city as a student at an affordable price.

Theatre

The Globe
Shakespeare's Globe theatre

From the West End to smaller independent theatres, there are plenty of shows around London to suit everyone. The Strand campus is located right next to many popular theatres, and our Guy's campus is located within walking distance of Shakespeare's Globe - London's most famous open-air theatre.

Make sure to take full advantage of student discounts and memberships, such as the National Theatre that offers tickets from £5 for UK residents aged 16-25. The cheapest tickets for popular West End shows start from £15 and you can even book even on the day, especially between Monday and Friday.

Galleries and museums

Museum feature
The British Museum

London offers plenty of unusual museums, such as the Cinema Museum and the Old Operating Theatre located near Guy's campus. Most museums in London have permanent exhibits that are free to visit, such as the notable British Museum located just a short walk away from Strand campus.

Most art galleries offer free admissions as well. Tate Modern, located just 15 minutes from Guy's campus, is free to enter and visitors can enjoy the viewing deck on the upper floors.

Somerset House on the Strand, home of the King's Law School, offers both in-person and online exhibitions, some of which take place outside in the courtyard. The courtyard also hosts an ice-skating rink during the winter holiday season and is a popular place to have lunch and study.

Somerset House Winter
Ice skating at Somerset House

Libraries and books

For book lovers, London has plenty of shops and boutiques to choose from and is also the home of many famous libraries. Our very own Maughan Library is worth a visit for a study session. The Hogwarts-like building is located just a 10-minute walk from Strand campus, . Similar libraries worth a visit simply for the building are the British Library and the Senate House Library.

One of my favourite bookish spots is located underneath Waterloo bridge, right by our Waterloo and Strand campuses. This space hosts the Southbank Centre Book Market, open most days between 10.00 and 19.00.

 

A table filled with second-hand books under Waterloo Bridge
Southbank Centre book market

This simply scratches the surface on what London has to offer. Make sure to keep an open mind and to look out for surprising things and you may find yourself in the middle of an immersive exhibition. London’s diverse nature ensures that there are plenty of experiences for everyone, keeping you well entertained throughout your time at King’s.