Getting Out: A Formerly Cooped Up Student’s Guide to London

Chelsea Bunke takes us to her favourite spots in London as we head into spring and a post-pandemic mindset.

Oh, COVID. You never fail to disappoint. This article was supposed to be about post-COVID travel, and hopes for a new age! But, it would be wildly inappropriate not to acknowledge the Omicron variant in this article. Let’s hope that the variant is quelled, and we can move forward as fast as feasibly possible.

Anyways, as a student hailing from the Great White North (Go Canada Go!!), travel to and from university has made my life significantly more complicated. Between Passenger Locator Forms, PCR tests, two-week quarantines, government house visits, and endless check-ins, I’ve experienced my fair share of restrictions first-hand. Before the beginning of term in 2020, I quarantined in a tight apartment with a few family members. The year was marked by lockdowns and travel uncertainty. The joy of easing restrictions in spring meant that I took every opportunity to explore the city, experiencing everything that London had to offer - as if I hadn’t already been living there for months! My friends and I became as well acquainted with the city as possible given the circumstances. Without further ado, here are some of my suggestions for some excursions as the weather warms up:

First Things First: Campus

Before I mention anywhere else in London, I have to mention that one of the greatest things you can do in London, especially after the year we’ve had, is go on campus! It’s beautiful, motivational, and social. After a year of working in my room or the occasional silent library, and limited to socialising within my flat, the social space that is UCL is a welcome change. A few of my favourite spaces are the Student Centre (if you get there early enough!), the Print Room Cafe, and Senate House Library’s Goldsmiths Reading Room. To access that last one, all you need to do is sign up free online with the University of London!

For the Food Lovers: Borough Market, London Bridge

An iconic location in London’s food scene, Borough Market is a must-see for UCL’s gastronomists. With independent food stalls, country-specific specialty shops, and chains alike, the London Bridge market is a mosaic of global cuisines bound to satisfy all tastes. Borough Market was officially established in 1756, but reports of a market near London Bridge go back as far as the 11th century. Today, it is home to over 100 of the aforementioned shops and stalls. My personal favourite is Rudie’s Jerk Shack, a Jamaican restaurant serving mouthwateringly authentic street food (my go-to order is the Jerk Chicken Wrap with a side of plantain).

Amy: Beyond the Stage - on at the Design Museum until 10 April, 2022

Many of us grew up listening to Amy Winehouse’s distinctive voice. A staple of Camden’s local culture, Amy’s candour and raw songwriting transcended genre. She was a force to be reckoned with, and respected across the world. The tabloids, however, loved to focus on her struggles with alcoholism and substance use, painting an image of a raucous party animal and drowning out her talent. This was exploited at the time of her early death in 2011. The Design Museum, in collaboration with The Estate of Amy Winehouse, have set up ‘an emotional and creative tribute to Amy Winehouse’ (The Times). Going to a museum is an activity we’d all love to do more, but sometimes it can seem a bit dry to look at long gone artists’ work that has no personal connection to you. This certainly isn’t the case for this exhibition. Items on display include a myriad of items, from teenage notebooks to iconic outfits and even handwritten lyrics. All of this is accompanied by original recordings of her music. Any fan of hers, or music and stories in general, should make a date to see this exhibition. Personally, I am brimming with excitement to see it.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience - on at 106 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LZ

I’m sure you have seen this exhibition while scrolling through your Instagram feed, having made a name for itself on London’s social media scene. It seems like anyone who’s anyone has visited, snapped a jaw-dropping action shot, and waited for shocked emojis to flood their comments. Because of this, you might feel like you’ve already seen all there is to see, but there is so much more. 360 degree projections of one of history’s greatest artists are a must-see. In addition to this, virtual reality interactives allow visitors to explore Van Gogh’s environment and gain insight into his inspiration. Plus, this two storey exhibition is in a former 19th century stable, housing features just as beautiful as the art on display.

Source: Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

For the Post-Winter Break Spruce Up: Columbia Road Flower Market

Lots of students, including myself, went home for Christmas break. For us plant lovers, this meant the death of some of our favourite green companions unless otherwise arranged. Instead of embracing a plant-less living space, head to Columbia Road Flower Market to buy any plant your heart desires. Stalls sell everything from dried lavender to full-blown lemon trees. Every Sunday between 8am and 3pm, vendors line the street, resulting in an explosion of colour on an otherwise grey day (knowing London). It gets quite busy, therefore I recommend going earlier. The market is in Bethnal Green, meaning you can head to Shoreditch for a day of eclectic activities after.

I’ve only included a few spots here as it’s virtually impossible to round up London’s best and brightest. This massive city is what you make of it, and lists curated to certain kinds of people do the city a disservice. Think of this list as a jumping-off point for your own personalised London experience.

Getting Out: A Formerly Cooped Up Student’s Guide to London

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