Fresher’s Week, new accommodation, getting to know flatmates, fellow students, finding lecture rooms … meetings here, parties there … places to go, places not to go, how to get there…
Apart from the inevitable sightseeing trips from Camden Town to Nike Town, Brick Lane to the Apple Store, international students in London for the first time in September will also be keen to find time to explore the city beyond the usual bars and clubs.
Walking tour
The most popular way is to take a walking tour, some of which are free. There’s dozens of walks to choose from, which aim to provide a fascinating insight into areas such as the City of London and Westminster, while a Night tour may include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the Globe Theatre. One free walk is the Jack the Ripper Tour, which visits the actual spots where the grisly Whitechapel murders took place between August and November 1888. An enduring favourite – especially in the autumn!
Those seeking something more up to date should hurry along to the London Design Festival, which runs from 13 -21 September, coinciding with London Fashion Week. Now in its 12th year, the festival brings together a dazzling array of design innovation from around the world at over 300 events and exhibitions in venues and ‘pop ups’ across the capital. Highlights this year include an installation of individual “homes” erected in Trafalgar Square and an interactive The Drone Aviary (with their own Twitter accounts) at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Private worlds
Just days away now is the Open House weekend. During the 20th and 21st September more than 800 buildings, many of which are iconic landmarks not usually freely accessible, will throw open their doors to public view.
Students from overseas are likely to be familiar with this annual event, which actually began in London in 1992 but has now spread to twenty capital cities around the globe. The aim is to stimulate architectural awareness and an interest in neighbourhood buildings and surroundings. In addition, a programme of local walks, talks, cycle rides, debates and related activities will shine intriguing light into familiar locations and open up a rare portal into the private worlds of famous public figures, including this year, the Prime Minister’s home, No.10 Downing Street.
“Liveable city”
September also sees a host of riverside events in conjunction with the month-long Totally Thames festival, a new season of arts, cultural and river events throughout the 42-mile stretch of the Thames in London, which focuses on how architecture is evolving to make London a more liveable city. In addition to the architectural spaces on show there are more than 80 landscape-focused events and venues.
Another free event, which runs throughout the month and is sure to capture the student film buff is the 12th London Free Film Festival. Over the course of four weeks, classic and cult films – this year including the Lego movie – will be screened every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the riverside amphitheatre, The Scoop at More London. A popular annual event, no tickets are sold so it is essential to arrive early to grab a seat!