London can be pretty daunting when you’ve just arrived, especially when it seems like everyone else already knows exactly what they’re doing. To help you find your way around, we have a little advice on how to unlock the city!
1) The Tube
Never take it at rush hour – no matter where you’re going, it won’t be worth it. Rush hour in London being 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., because simple hours would just be too easy. Try to take the time to learn where the doors are on the platform and which side the open when you’re on the train for the stations you use most. It will save you time, and reduce those awkward moments when you’re stood looking at a poster on the wall and everyone is getting off the train behind you.
2) Know which tourist attractions to avoid
Don’t bother with Madame Tussauds. The queues just aren’t worth the admission price and all it really is is lumps of wax that vaguely resemble famous people. Photoshop some selfies with a famous Chris of your choosing and you’ve ultimately got the same effect. What is worth the time, money and effort is a good birds-eye-view of the city. Try the London Eye or the viewing platform at the Shard and take in a new perspective of your city!
3) Walk with purpose
The easiest way to tell the tourists from the Londoners is to watch the pavements. Tourists will amble, stop in front of you and take endless photographs of bridges that are just your walk to college. Londoners walk with purpose, because we’ve all got somewhere to be and things to do, and dawdling isn’t going to benefit anyone.
4) Assume no one can drive
When you walk across a road, always make the accurate assumption that someone isn’t paying attention and is about to accidentally run you over. This is still relevant when the light is green and you’re supposed to be the one crossing.
5) There are rush hours for pedestrianised areas, too
Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square. Just as the tube has times you want to avoid, so do these tourist hotspots. Friday and Saturday nights are particularly bad and, unless you’re fond of fighting your way through crowds of people like you’re going into battle, find another route.
6) Get used to the landmarks
They’re gorgeous, but they’re everywhere. Take a couple of days to walk around the city and marvel at the fact Nelson’s Column is right there, and 10 Downing Street is just down the road. Take all the photos you want and revel in being a tourist. Soon you’ll be walking past them like they’re just another building. Oh, is that Buckingham Palace I’m passing? I hadn’t noticed.
7) Learn where you can get discounts
There’s nothing Londoners love more than a bargain. Now you have that new student ID card, learn where it can get you money off! Clothes shops are usually a given, especially chain stores; some food places will give you a discount; even theatres sometimes offer student tickets. Try Matilda for £5, or School of Rock for £10!
8) Museums are free!
At least the major ones. The Tates, the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum- they’re all free entry to anyone. Make the most of it and go and explore. If you’re into astronomy then try the Natural History Museum, or you can find some great Egyptian mummies at the British Museum. There’s centuries of culture waiting for you to explore, whenever you want.
9) Walk Places
It’s free, it’s less busy (see point 1) and you’ll get to know your way around pretty quickly. The good thing about all those landmarks is that you’ll be able to work out where you are without too much trouble. In no time at all you’ll be able to find your way from any point A to any point B, with optional scenic route for a nice view of the sunset over the Thames.
10) Make the most of it
Go to museums and theatres and midnight IMAX showings of the newest films. Watch outdoor films at Somerset House. Join societies. Write for Her Campus. London is your city now as well as mine, and it’s not going to make the most of itself!