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Alison Carter - Blog editor

September 23rd, 2020

Student Voices: Settling into London: Hacks and Tips from Current Students

0 comments | 1 shares

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Alison Carter - Blog editor

September 23rd, 2020

Student Voices: Settling into London: Hacks and Tips from Current Students

0 comments | 1 shares

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Edited by Yasmin Frischemeier

London is one of the most wonderfully diverse places in the world, but settling in during your first week on campus can be a bit daunting. Here are some hacks and tips from current students to help you through the transition!

  • “Explore! Don’t just stay in the area around your hall – spend some time before you get swamped with readings and homework to go and take long walks around central London to get familiar with everything the city has to offer.”
  • “Download citymapper and use it religiously (but don’t trust that the bus will come when it says it will).”
  • “Get a freshers booklet from any of the Wetherspoons pubs near campus – crazy discounts.” 
  • “Take the initiative to get coffee/lunch/drinks with new people even after the first few weeks. Your immediate friends are likely great, but don’t settle too quickly.”
  • “Get a totum card to save 10% at Co-op!”
  • “Always be on the hunt for those Unidays deals – 2 for 1 at the shake shack in Covent Garden? I think yes.” 
  • “There are so many hidden gems in London. There is food from everywhere in the world, and though London overall is expensive, there are many bargains to be found. I’ve found fresh pizza for £2.50, a jacket for £1 and £100 shoes for £12. Explore beyond Zone 1 – in a way, the different neighbourhoods from zone 2 out are the most interesting part of London.”
  • “Don’t wander around with your phone out at night if you want to keep your kidneys. Haha, jokes…. But please don’t get mugged.” 
  • “If COVID ever ends, buy a reusable cup and keep it on you at all times. You can get discounts everywhere, and it’s saved me so much money on coffee.”
  • “Take the bus! The tube is romanticised by movies and stuff but the bus is way cheaper, and you can get on and off as many different buses as you need to in an hour without having to pay extra.”
  • “Don’t panic when you eventually get lost on the tube. Especially at Bank!”
  • “Find a coffee spot or a pub and inhabit it till death.”
  • “Invest in a 16-25 railcard for discounts if you plan to use the tube frequently or want to travel around the UK.”
  • “Get lost in your immediate area. It is intimidating, but in a few weeks when you know your way around you’ll be glad you did.”
  • “Always carry a jacket and an umbrella.”
  • “Don’t be overwhelmed by the chaos. Londoners aren’t the most friendly folks on the outside so don’t take it personally.”
  • “Enjoy your time at LSE. It goes by too fast.”

 

 

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Alison Carter - Blog editor

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