Leading a student life is tricky. You want to make the best of your time in a new city – attend concerts, try a range of cuisines,  yet you have a budget to keep. So here is a quick list of things you can do on a limited budget. 

Southwark Cathedral 

If you like exploring old buildings, cathedrals and architecture, you will love Southwark Cathedral. It is located in the London borough of Southwark, behind Borough market. It boasts of magnificent stained glass windows and incredible chandeliers. I visited this place out of curiosity. My friends and I were exploring the offerings of Borough Market, when the Cathedral’s wall caught my eye. However, fair warning, dear explorer, given its location and the fact that it is not the ideal tourist spot, you could miss the Southwark Cathedral if you are not looking for it. PS: entry is free. 

Tate Modern

If you are looking for a view of London, you have several options. This includes the London Eye, the Sky Garden, the Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral to name a few. All of them offer beautiful views, but at a price. For those who are looking for more reasonable options, you can visit Tate Modern’s Blavatnik Building. The view from the tenth floor is quite spectacular – and free.

Borough Market 

Borough Market is one of London’s oldest and largest food markets. It is my go-to place when I want to try a range of dishes. So far I have seen delicacies from India, China, Japan, Israel and Uganda. There is also the occasional fusion food. I remember eating a pistachio dessert which was wrapped in a layer of pasta! There is more to Borough Market than just fresh produce. PS: entry is free, you have to pay for the food, of course. 

Highgate Cemetery 

Highgate Cemetery is a place of burial in north London. It is divided into two parts: the Eastside and the Westside. While visitors are allowed to move freely on the Eastside, the Westside is accessible only through a guided tour. There is a nominal entry charge. There are several famous people buried here, including the German philosopher Karl Marx. Right next to the Highgate Cemetery is the 26-acre Waterlow Park. If you are looking for beautiful landscapes, do consider giving this a visit. I particularly enjoyed watching the setting sun light up the trees. Entry to the park is free.

Barbican Centre

For new arrivals interested in exploring London’s arts and culture landscape, I would recommend heading to the Barbican Centre. It is among the largest performing arts centre in Europe. You can see theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. I was able to watch a production of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. The effort that goes into set creation, costumes, lighting, music and dialogues makes the ticket cost worth every penny.