6 min read
Navigating any new city, especially a sprawling capital like London, definitely comes with its fair share of obstacles. Whether that’s understanding local customs, getting used to public transport or getting the most out of your budget, there’s plenty of practical local knowledge we can share to get you on the right track.
You can explore London in so many ways - on foot, by Tube or bus, or even by boat! With LSE as your base, you can take your pick. At LSE Summer School, you’ll be living in one of the most connected capitals in the world. So, you’re never more than a short(ish) train-ride from Britain’s stunning coasts and towns.
We know that London can be expensive, especially on a student budget. That’s why we’ve got some insider knowledge from our Summer School alumni to help you have an amazing experience without breaking the bank.
Getting around
London’s neighbourhoods are connected by hundreds of bus and train routes. After class, you can easily find a convenient route to one of its vibrant boroughs or tourist destinations. Just remember to have a map to hand, and you’re ready to go! “It's very easy to find out where you want to go and how to get there. The public transport system is so branched out and reaches everywhere. It's also really easy to understand as a tourist. You can use Citymapper or Google Maps, or you can pick up a Tube map at any station.”
The museums here are free! With the extra budget that I have left over, I'll invest in going to those places that I really want to go.
Getting around is not just about going from A-B. It’s about seeing the sights along the way and finding those corners of London they don’t tell you about in the guidebooks. “I actually discovered that my favourite thing to do in London is walking! You can observe all of your surroundings when you’re walking, rather than taking the bus or Tube. When you walk, you meet more new people, you can see more perspectives of London and you explore further.”
Sometimes it’s about letting yourself get a little bit lost. “The thing I would recommend is to give up Google Maps and just stroll around! It’s a wonderful experience! Sometimes you may get lost but it’s also exciting to walk down a street you’ve never seen before.” Just remember that British weather is not always reliable, even in the summer! “I forgot to bring an umbrella, which is very important in the London weather. I got lucky and I didn't need it for the first week but it's definitely something I had to buy eventually.”
Travelling outside of London
London’s connections don’t stop there! If you’re in the mood to travel, there are regular trains and coaches that can take you to some of Britain’s most beloved tourist destinations, historical towns and stunning natural scenery. “The most fun thing that I've done is visiting the cliffs of Dover. We spent the whole day hiking. It's really interesting to see London as its own city but then you can travel an hour or so and go to Brighton or Dover. You can go to so many places and they're so different!” Our Summer School Social Programme includes day trips and weekend trips which can be booked in advance, so you and your classmates can explore the country together, without worrying about the travel details.
“You get to go on trips to Oxford and Cambridge. You get to explore places! What LSE offers you is something very rare. It offers a summer that you'll remember. The people that you meet, the places you go, the things you do - it's all such an amazing experience!”
Getting the most from your budget
You don’t need to have a Royal budget to have a great time in London. There are lots of ways you can navigate the city without spending all your funds on day one! Starting with transport: “Coming to London is quite expensive. I think the first thing you should do when you get to the airport is get an Oyster Card. That will make life quite easy for you.” You can even choose to cut out public transport entirely. Just remember to pack a good pair of trainers! “My little tip to help other students in saving money would be to walk. It will be easier on your budget.” It’s a great way to start your day and to see more of the city. “I would recommend walking instead of taking a bus to school as there’s beautiful scenery here, especially in the morning.”
London might have an expensive side but it’s also a city where culture is accessible to everyone. With its free museums and acres of parks lined with monuments, ponds and stunning architecture, there’s plenty to do on a budget. “The museums here are free! With the extra budget that I have left over, I'll invest in going to those places that I really want to go.”
“Budgeting was a really challenging task. But with the help of my friends who’d been to London before, I heard that there’s a student Oyster Card which helps you travel for a reduced price. The best tip that I would share would be to get to know about all the discounts that are available for students. There are a lot of restaurants, clubs and stand-up comedy nights where they offer a discount to students. Coming here as a student can actually really help you in your budgeting!”
It’s all about balance. One way to save money is to keep an eye on your daily expenses, like coffees, food and transport. “When I was here, I tried to budget by buying coffees or supplies on the university campus, which is much cheaper compared to the rest of London.” Our Summer School accommodation also gives you the freedom to cook for yourself, so you can save money on meals and have fun cooking new dishes with your friends from around the world! “Budget-wise, yes, it is an expensive country to live and study in. But if you cook for yourself, it really saves a lot. It saves about half the cost that you might spend going out to eat. I would save on that and use the money to go out to explore more places.”
There are lots of great blogs and online resources about living in London on a budget. A lot of restaurants and events advertise student discounts too. Our best advice is to do a bit of research in advance and, even better, talk to your fellow classmates. “If you look carefully, you'll find good places to eat and to have fun for an affordable cost. So, you can really have a good experience without having problems with the bank!” With a little forward-planning, you could save some extra Pounds to spend on a truly memorable night out or to catch a world-class theatre performance!