Hello everyone! I am a student traveling to London soon to embark on a month-long study abroad program in the heart of London. I will be staying in student housing while taking a class for a couple hours a week. My question for you fine folks is - what should I do while I'm there? I'm traveling to Paris for one of the weekends and Prague for another, and I've done a couple of the touristy things already, so I'm looking for things that might be off the beaten path. I LOVED the Victoria and Albert museum last time I was in London, and I'm very interested in architecture and interior design. Really, I love anything artsy and creative. I'm really looking forward to just exploring the city - but I would love any and all advice! Thanks in advance! :)
Posted by
London, England.
662 posts
You could visit the Design Museum, on the South Bank just down river of Tower Bridge. It's fairly small, and has an entry fee, but might be of interest to you. I've never been inside myself, despite having worked as a Designer for the last 25 years.
As a study abroad student, there are hundreds of 'study abroard in London' videos on YouTube detailing many students personal experiences. Search 'London Vlogs'.
They are fairly consistant in how the experience goes.... Going to London, super excited, wow i'm here, i'm tired, my classmates are so cool, wow London is expensive, sightseeing wow, class is so much fun, the Tube is awesome, i miss my family, going to Paris, i'm tired, going to Amsterdam, i miss my friends, tears, i want to go home, tears, going to Spain, wow 3 weeks gone so fast, must stop partying and do my school work, omg i have to go home soon, can i live here?, do i have to leave?, last day, tears, i want to stay forever!!! Home... That was the most amazing experience of my life!
Hope that helps, good luck.
Posted by
Cambridge
10 posts
I would highly recommend Cambridge! We've got King's College Chapel for Architecture and the Fitzwilliam museum for history and art. It's only an hour and a half from London by train. Let me know if you have any questions. :)
Posted by
Land of La
9261 posts
Shoreditch Street Art Tours and maybe somewhere on this list is something of interest for you.
http://tinyurl.com/q2tl79w. While you are IN London look online at TIMEOUT magazine. Might be gallery showings or other offerings you might enjoy. Always a good travel resource. Asca person who appreciates architecture you should, walk from The Tower of London up to the glass covered Leadenhall Market, lookng at both the adjacent futuristic Lloyd's building, and the nearby The Gherkin in route. Then over the St Paul's. On a clear day one of the best views of London. The history of St Paul's dome construction is fascinating. Visit the memorial to the Great Fire of London and then enjoy a pint seated in the stellar Art Deco designed Blackfriars pub. Would be a day well spent appreciating old and new design. Lastly, I like this website. Always something unique to explore on it. This link says Peckham is good for art lovers. http://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/england/london/articles/london-culture-guide-peckham-for-art-lovers/.
Posted by
Kingston, Surrey
239 posts
You might want to try the Red House in Bexleyheath, south-east London. It was the home of William Morris and has some interesting stuff in it www.nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house