London's Wonderful Life
London - the international student’s favourite city
The great 18th century English author, Samuel Johnson, once noted that when you are tired of London, you are tired of life. No doubt because you can never be bored in London – there is always so much to do, and so much to see. Which is probably why London is the most popular city in the world for international students choosing to study outside their home country? Here are some of the reasons why:
See more and do more in London
London is famous for its cultural heritage, and in the city you will find a huge range of places to go and things to see. For a fascinating slice of history, there are a great number of fantastic museums waiting for you, including The British Museum, The National History Museum and The Science Museum. If it is art you’re looking for, a quite wander around our world famous galleries will reveal some of the world’s most valuable treasures. And you can choose which to visit from a long list, including The Tate, The Tate Modern, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, and The Saatchi Gallery.
There is a great deal to see at our theatres too – Old Vic, The Palladium and Sadler's Wells are just three of our most esteemed establishments. And if it is opera you want to see, a trip to The Royal Opera House at Covent Garden should not be missed.
In London, you don't have to go far to see the city's glorious past – there are great houses, palaces and cathedrals are on just about every corner. Steeped in history, places like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London attract millions of happy visitors every year.
A spot of shopping in London
London is also home to some of the best shopping in the world. Famous department stores like Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols have something for everyone, and no shopping experience is complete without a walk down Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. Areas such as Portobello Road, Brick Lane and Camden will give you a different shopping experience altogether – they are full of busy market stalls and independent shops.
If all of that shopping works up an appetite, you will be pleased to hear that London has more Michelin-starred restaurants than even Paris, and being an extremely diverse and multi-cultural city, there is all sorts of authentic food from around the world. More than enough to please any taste, at prices to suit any budget.
If you like to turn the music up, the scene in London is like no other. Great venues include the famous Ministry of Sound, The O2, The Roundhouse and the Brixton Academy, so you can be sure there are always lots of top acts to see, and hear.
After all that activity, you might want some peace and quiet, and you'll find a lot in London – it's reputed to be the world's greenest capital city.
London – a great place to relax
There are numerous green and relaxing Royal Parks in London, including Green Park, Hyde Park and St. James's Park in the centre, along with the tranquil Kensington Gardens and the gardens of Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official London residence. Further out of town, there is Bushy Park and Richmond Park to the west, and to the east there’s also Greenwich Park, home to the Royal Observatory and the Greenwich Meridian.
Finally, no guide to London would be complete without a mention of the Thames, London’s great river. Spanned by 12 public bridges in the centre, its banks provide a great walking experience, with a lot to see on either side. The Southbank is especially interesting, being home to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, The Royal Festival Hall, the London Eye, and much more.
For a lot more information on what to see and do in London, visit the following websites:
For tourist information: www.lonelyplanet.com/england/london and www.visitlondon.com
For a local guide to what's on: www.timeout.com/london
For booking tickets for events: www.ticketmaster.co.uk
For restaurant reviews and bookings: www.toptable.com
How do I get around London?
London has an extensive integrated transport system making it easy to travel all around the city. This includes an underground rail network ('the tube'), red London buses, and its world-famous black taxis. And if you prefer to travel on two wheels, there are designated lanes for cyclists. For more information about travel in London, and for help planning your route, visit www.tfl.gov.uk
Alternatively, if you're planning to travel outside, just visit: www.thetrainline.com and www.nationalexpress.com