The great thing about coming to LSE is that you are right in heart of London, one of the most vibrant, dynamic and fun cities in the world. In London, there is something for everyone. In this blog I will outline some of the must try activities unique to London – there’s bound to be something that captures your interest!
Art
If you are a fan of art, I must point you in the direction of Tate Modern. It is located right outside Bankside, which is the largest LSE accommodation. If you happen to find yourself living there, I would absolutely recommend visiting. Part of the appeal of Tate galleries is free entry with no need for bookings. It is a great place get lost in artistic expression with a wide range of pieces on display that are continuously updated. I also found it to be a relaxing place to just wander around and escape from the bustle of London as well.
Museums
On a similar theme, the Natural History Museum is something that should be on the bucket list of any historians or cultural enthusiasts. Again, entry is free for this and there is a regular rotation of themes here, from the Greek period to the Jurassic era and everything in between.
Theatre
If plays and concerts are more your thing, then look no further than Strand, a street located right next to LSE. Strand encompasses a huge collection of theatres for concerts/plays. Back To The Future and The Lion King play all year round and I would highly recommend going to both of these. A benefit of Strand theatres is that they are a stone’s throw away from a splendid selection of restaurants and bars in Covent Garden, so the whole package makes for a great day out.
Sports
But if you are more sports-inclined like me, then this next section may be for you. London is host to many world-renowned sports teams and stadiums across a variety of sports. Though tickets are expensive, getting the opportunity to go to Twickenham, the London Stadium, Lords, The Emirates, Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Stamford Bridge or any of the many others, will be a surreal and unforgettable experience.
If watching does not suffice and you would rather get stuck into sports yourself in your spare time, there are a plethora of things you can get involved in across London or at LSE itself. My best recommendation from my own experience would be to join a Powerleague. London definitely has the best running Powerleagues in the UK. They cost about £10 a game on average and offer a great chance to play regular football each week. But no doubt similar organisations will exist for others sports too.
Green spaces
An underrated facet of London is its green spaces. Hyde Park is my favourite of these since there is so much to do. Firstly, it is located right next to Buckingham Palace. Secondly, it hosts Winter Wonderland at Christmas time, which is a fantastic festival that anyone who hasn’t been, must go to while in London. Thirdly, it is the perfect place for exercise with running and cycling routes, open spaces for football and rounders, and even pedalos for the lake. Additionally, on the rare occasion London is sunny, it is a great place for a picnic or sunbathe.
Nightlife
Lastly, I couldn’t in good faith write about activities to do in London and skip London’s nightlife. While this might not be for everyone, I feel a duty to point incoming students in the right direction. Ministry of Sound is the classic go-to club for LSE students, especially for those in Bankside since its so close. Tickets can range between £5 – £10 and it is fairly accessible since it is located in Elephant and Castle. The UCL equivalent is Scala, which may also be worth visiting to compare. Ultimately a night out is subjective, each to their own, but the general consensus of LSE students, based on my experience, is that Ministry is the best place to go in first year.
