Well hello there...
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| GrayFace |
I've completed my first year at University in London, and I'm currently spending my summer at home in the North East. Spending a year living in London has definitely been an exciting new experience for me. I have always been pretty 'London-savvy' however, this year I was finally able to make it my home again.
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| My fresher's boat ball, The Thames. |
I've managed to discover parts of London that I hadn't even heard of before, and what 'London student life' is actually like. First of all you have the fact that London is one of the most famous cities in Europe (not only for culture but for: fashion, music and don't forget the shops). For this reason London is probably the most expensive place to attend University in the UK. You can go out on "student nights", however these nights can cost double or even treble the amount that other students around the UK are exposed to. A few examples of cheaper alternative University cities which are great for students would be:
- Leeds
- Newcastle
- York
From personal experience, I have found these cities to be very student friendly, offering drinks for as little as 80p! However, being in the capital isn't all that bad... Yes it may be ridiculously expensive (which can sometimes limit the amount of partying you can do in one week) but, where else could you experience:
- 5* nightclubs
- Celebrity haunts
- The best retail and flagship stores in the UK
- Every type of cuisine you could ever want
- Hundreds of theatres and music venues to attend
- National treasures in the museums
- Not forgetting the parks (which I personally love).
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| The British Museum with friends |
That used to be one aspect that I hated when people said "Urgh, how can you live in London there is no space/greenery!". What I say to you is HA... There may not be acres of open skies to look out across, but London inhabits some of the most well-kept and spacious parks. From Hyde Park where you can enjoy the Serpentine boating lake or horse riding, to St.James' Park just round the corner from The Ritz and Buckingham Palace. (I say old chap!)
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| Celebrating the Royal Wedding, Hyde Park - April 2011 |
London has so much to offer that I find myself forgiving the city for making me completely penniless. It's not just the nights out which can be expensive but also the transport and living expenses.
However, this year I was privileged enough to live in Farringdon (only a 15min bus ride from Oxford Street and 1 stop from King's Cross Station). I thoroughly enjoyed living in Islington, and as it was a new area for me to explore I made the most of my time there. Islington is very much a young person's hub of London, with vibrant bars and many restaurants to immerse yourself in (not to mention the world famous nightclub Fabric), I really couldn't have asked for a better place to live.
Next year I am turning to the darkside e.g. south of the river! In London this division of the city is as much of an issue as supporting Man Utd or Liverpool. That matter aside I happen to really love South West London. This is partially due to the fact that this was where I was born and raised until I was 5years old. As I grew up and explored the likes of Richmond, Wimbledon, Battersea and Putney as a teen, I fell in love with it. I have a particular love for Richmond, and who knows one day maybe able to afford a house there (I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for that I think!).
So, another chapter of my London life will begin. I can't wait for more amazingly indulgent nights out, whether it being to top West End clubs such as: Mahiki, Movida, Luxx or Embargos. Or dining out with friends and going to the theatre to see the best actors in the business.
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| A friend and me at Luxx nightclub. |
Fair enough I will have these in small doses, but atleast I'm experiencing it right? Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty and Harvey Nics can you please steer away from me this year. I cannot afford you I'm sorry (but I want to shop in you all the time!).
Watch this space for more news on my London adventures.
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| A friend and me finishing 1st year |
LG x
