English poet Samuel Johnson once said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” As someone who lived in London for four months studying, I can confidently say Mr. Johnson got it right. The multicultural city of London provides endless possibilities for those who call themselves Londoners, and those who are just passing through. If you’re obsessed with antiques- there’s a market for that, if you want to see what a cereal café is like- London has them, or if you want to step back in time- the city has museums to do that. Each borough of London has its own unique personality for you to vibe with. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the classic British stereotype and visit Notting Hill to get afternoon tea and find your own Hugh Grant, or you want to embrace your inner hipster and stroll down Brick Lane in Shoreditch browsing all the popup shops, there are 15 (and 15,000 more) reasons why you need to drop everything and study in London…so keep reading!
The pictures online and the scenes in the movies are real, London is actually that beautiful in real life. No matter what season it is, London will always have a certain charm that is indescribable to those who have never been. From the residential South Kensington and Chelsea neighborhoods, the energetic central London city, London is definitely not without its charm.
The London fashionista isn’t like others. She’s extremely aware of all the trends floating around, but she effortlessly combines them with her own personal style to create a look that is unlike any other. The London girl is edgier than the Paris girl, but more laidback than the New York girl. The birthplace of Topshop, London is no stranger to the fashion scene. Oxford Street, Regent Street, Brompton Road, Carnaby Street, Kings Road, Kensington High Street—you wouldn’t understand unless you went there yourself. If you decide to study in London you will undoubtedly pick up on these styles.
Let’s face it– everything sounds better in a British accent. Agreed? Good. When you study in London it will be hard not to join in!
Even if you’re not a budding historian, you’re going to fall in love with London’s past if you decide to study in London. From the city’s involvement in WWI to the Great Fire of London, there’s so much to learn. With residents such as Margaret Thatcher, William Shakespeare, and Jane Austen, you’ll find yourself roaming the streets looking at the historical buildings from the 1600s in awe.
In the mood for a stroll down an uber instgramable street sipping on some mulled wine while browsing antique jewelry as you wait for your Nutella crepe to be finished? Spend a day at any market in London and you’ll be satisfied. Floppy, wide-brimmed hats are required for this outing.
We all need some peace and quiet while being immersed in nature? Believe it or not, it’s possible to do so in London! 47 percent of London is actually green space. While Hyde Park is going to be the most touristy option to soak up the (sometimes nonexistent) British sun, Primrose Hill or Hampstead Heath are going to be quainter and less crowded.
As I mentioned before, each borough of London has its own personality and energy. That being said, there are going to be hidden gems behind every corner and telephone booth. If you study in London, make sure you go find them.
Fancy a pint of Fullers? Meet you at the pub covered in gorgeous flowers at 9.
When it comes to Brits, they have a dry sense of humor. At first, you may be unsure if you encountered an old, bitter, rude man or a comedian, but you’ll get the hang of it and be laughing in no time. One word—sarcasm.
As London is the multicultural hub of Europe, you’ll be on the tube platform and easily hear conversations in at least 5 different languages if you study in London. Being surrounded by various cultures makes for interesting conversations and stories, as well as prime people watching opportunities.
Whoever said British food was bland has obviously never had a full English breakfast: fresh fish and chips, Pizza Express, an English roast with Yorkshire pudding, Nandos, curry, or sticky toffee pudding.
Nightlife in London provides something for everyone who decides to study in London. Half priced mojitos and free salsa dancing lessons? Check. A musical and glass of wine on the Thames? Check. A dance club that starts serving breakfast in the early hours of the morning? Check. An art exhibit and rooftop bar with craft drinks? Check.
A classic British pastime… sort of. Although Londoners may not indulge in afternoon tea daily, they sure know how to make guests feel welcome with cucumber sandwiches and a fresh brew of earl grey. London has countless tea rooms so you can have as authentic, historic, or posh of experience you desire.
All of London’s big museums are free! Each with their own focus and theme, London’s museums are some of the best in the world. Whether you visit the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert, Tate Modern, National Portrait, or Saatchi Gallery, you’ll be sure to have an enriched experience. You can also go off the grid and visit some of London’s more unique museums like the Freud Museum or the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
Once you visit, London steals a piece of your heart and begs you to come back again. Until then, you’ll have the beautiful memories to dwell upon.
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