Student tips for London you’ll wish you knew earlier

Everyone thinks they know London: Big Ben, the London Eye, selfies in front of Tower Bridge – all ticked off. But you only discover the real London when you spend some time here. When I arrived for LSE Summer School, I quickly realised that the most valuable tips aren’t written down anywhere. They come up in conversations – for example, with other students and even lecturers (who are often happy to recommend their favourite galleries, cafés, or weekend markets). That’s why I’ve collected a few tricks that I wish I had known earlier – little things that make a big difference and that you can start discovering even before you arrive.

1. Download the Too Good To Go app

One of my first discoveries in London was the Too Good To Go app. It quickly became a lifesaver for me. The idea is simple: restaurants, bakeries, or supermarkets prepare “magic bags” with unsold food that would otherwise go to waste, and users can buy them through the app for a few pounds. The only catch is that you never know what’s inside. One evening, I picked up a bag from a sushi restaurant in Canary Wharf and, upon opening it, found enough rolls to feed two people – all for less than the price of a coffee. Aside from saving money, there’s also a feel-good factor: you’re helping to reduce food waste in a city where eating out can easily break the bank.

2. Check out the various meal deals on offer

If you don’t feel like cooking, London has another option for you: its famous meal deals. At Tesco, Boots, or Sainsbury’s, you can buy a sandwich or salad, a snack, and a drink for around £3.50–£4.50. This is one of the easiest budget options, as these stores are located on almost every corner and are open for long hours. One day you might choose a classic ham and cheese sandwich, the next a vegan tortilla or even a pasta salad. Snacks include fruit pots, crisps, and chocolate bars, and the drinks section has everything from water to iced coffee. 

3. Build your own city map

One of the smartest things you can do before arriving in London is start building your own Google My Map. Pin the cafes you’ve seen on Instagram, the museums you don’t want to miss, or cafés you’ve read about.

Here’s my map - feel free to explore!

4. Download these transport apps

The Tube is iconic, but it can be a bit confusing at first. Especially during rush hour, when it's crowded, lines are suddenly closed, and stations seem to have an endless number of exits. In situations like these, a few apps make life much easier. Citymapper quickly became my favorite tool: not only does it show subway and bus routes, but it also tells you which car to board to get to your destination as quickly as possible. When it comes to live updates, especially in the event of a sudden line closure, the most reliable app is TfL Go (the official Transport for London app). There is also a trick of downloading Google Maps in offline mode. Even without a signal in the subway, it works perfectly, so you never feel completely lost.

 

5, Utilise Instagram as your pocket guide

Of course, @lse_summer_school is an obvious choice – it’s the easiest way to stay up to date with campus events, trips, and snapshots of student life during your time here. Beyond that, Instagram can serve as your personal city guide. @secret.london is a great source for hidden gems and unusual spots, while @its_so_london captures the everyday moments that make the city come alive. @visitlondon is useful for major events and seasonal attractions, while @london.foodguide gives you access to some of the best cafés and street food stalls. If you want to focus on specific neighbourhoods, @exploringlondon offers practical itineraries, and @canarywharflondon often shares information about local events, from art installations to free summer film screenings by the water.

 

6. Last tip: get lost

The truth is, no matter how much you prepare, London will always find a way to surprise you. Some days may feel overwhelming, while others may bring you to a quiet bookshop that instantly becomes your new favourite place. So download the apps, follow a few Instagram accounts, and maybe even create your own map. But once you arrive, give yourself the freedom to wander, get lost, ask your lecturers for recommendations, and exchange tips with friends. Because the best part of London will never be found in a guidebook – it’s in the moments you create for yourself.