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As visiting American students, we were eager to begin our journey in the thriving metropolis of London. Due to the fast pace and vast array of activities, London certainly appeals to the younger crowd. Unfortunately, from a student perspective, the steep price of a day in London can be a powerful deterrent. Fortunately, there are many options available to the student that are cheap or even free!
Everyone wants to beat the crowds, so you are better off avoiding the high tourist season of summer and holidays. We were there in early January, after most Christmas tourists had left. York students will find a day trip during the week easiest on their budgets.
The fastest and easiest transportation is the train. Buying ahead will make this more affordable, and using a National Railway Card saves you 30%. This takes about two hours on a direct train. You can also take a coach, which takes longer but can be cheaper. Also, getting a day pass on the London tube is highly recommended, as it will get you anywhere you want to go and is definitely a cheaper way to travel than taxis and buses.
Our program arranged for the group to stay at the Thistle in Kensington Gardens, but for a more student-friendly option the Baker's Hotel near Victoria station has a few rooms that cost £30 for a single and include breakfast. The St. Christopher’s Inn near the London Bridge offers hostel dorm beds for around £19-22. Of course, there are other cheap choices and always look on the internet for deals.
If you’re feeling like a tourist (as we were), there are loads of things to do that don’t cost anything! You can take a scenic walk from St. Paul’s cathedral across the Millennium Bridge, and then stop at the famous Tate Modern for a taste of some modern art. Crossing Westminster Bridge, you can pay homage to Big Ben and admire Westminster Abbey, then turn the corner to try and spy the Prime Minister at Downing Street. It’s London in a nutshell, and it’s all free. Best of all, you can do this at night while everything is lit up, even though the attractions will be closed.
During the day, most museums are open to the public for free. We explored the British Library, where ancient texts from all over the world are stored for your viewing pleasure. If you have never experienced it going to the Changing of the Guard is a must, and it is absolutely free! Although it is impossible to avoid the crowds, going in the winter when it is only done every other day at 11:30 am is advisable.
If you need a moment to get away from the hubbub of London life, a walk in the peaceful pathways of Kensington Gardens, where Princess Diana once lived, is sure to relax you.
Afterwards head for the Churchill Arms, a pub and Thai restaurant in one, with chamber pots decorating the front and butterflies arrayed on the walls in the back. We had great Pad Thai here and the pub grub is also acclaimed. Before you sleep (or start partying), grab a deliciously sweet cider at the Prince Edward pub a few blocks away.
Of course, when night comes it is easy to find multiple pubs and clubs to keep you up. Ask a true Londoner to take you and show you around the buzzing nightlife in London. There are numerous possibilities for anyone’s liking, with a good choice of clubs in Leicester Square. We’re sure you won't be disappointed!
London's speed and size can overwhelm the newcomer, and it has a reputation for harming the student budget. However, it's possible to keep busy and see some of London's most famous sights during the day, without blowing the budget. Anyone and everyone should take advantage of the rich culture that London has to offer...for free!
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