5 Places Freshers Should Visit

One of the great things about studying at UCL is that it is based in the heart of London. UCL Geography student gives us some of her top tips for the best places around campus to visit in between your lectures. 

State-of-the-art social spaces, countless facilities and a buzzing student body – UCL Main Campus has it all. But did you know that London’s Global University is also walking distance from many more world class establishments and tourist attractions? The Bloomsbury area is famous for its historical connections and we at UCL are lucky enough to be surrounded by dozens of these cultural hotspots. Moving to London can be a thoroughly overwhelming experience but learning about local sights will definitely ease your transition. Bonus points if you can show off your local knowledge to friends visiting from other universities! We’ve chosen 5 unmissable attractions located no more than 10 minutes from UCL Main Campus so let’s transform your Freshers experience!

Wellcome Collection

A library and museum that’s located next door to UCL Main Campus and is totally free! This grand establishment regularly showcases exhibitions and remains a favourite amongst students from all over London. Every couple of months, the main exhibition space hosts a new event that connects the arts and science disciplines across history and the present. These exhibits can range from ‘Tibet’s Secret Temple‘ to ‘The Anatomy of Crime‘ – so you’ll never be short of something to see! The Reading Room is a striking ‘hybrid’ of gallery and library and therefore a totally unique study space. Here you can can read, play games or share ideas with new people from all walks of life. Get a taste of the buzzing atmosphere (and great cakes!) at the Wellcome Collection Cafe before browsing through the quirky Wellcome Shop to conclude your charming visit!

British Museum

Take a walk down Gower Street and you’ll soon discover yet another one of London’s free museums. Originally founded as the ‘universal museum’ in 1753, the British Museum is home to over two million years of human history. This includes everything from the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures to the Egyptian mummies. Museums have recently come under fire over the ownership of certain artifacts and the British Museum is no stranger to this. Take this controversy as an opportunity to learn more about British history and the country’s extensive colonial history. The British Museum is constantly opening new galleries, free workshops and spotlight exhibitions so every visit will be different. This world-renowned establishment is popular amongst students, tourists and Londoners making it a thoroughly unmissable sight!

Bloomsbury Farmers Market

Every Thursday, Torrington Place hosts the best midweek lunch stop in town and its located outside just UCL Campus! The Bloomsbury Farmers Market brings together a multitude of foods from local farms, sustainable producers and artisanal bakeries. Come rain or shine, the outdoor market has definitely become a weekly highlight for students and professionals alike. Remember to bring cash (nearest cash-point at Student Central Malet Place) and arrive early enough to avoid the queues!

British Library

The UK’s national library is another great study space located along Euston Road. This Kings Cross based architectural masterpiece is home to over 14 million books and was once a part of the British Museum. Now, the British Library is a major, independent research library archiving items dating back as far as 2000 BC. The Treasures Gallery displays the Magna Carta and even lyrics by The Beatles, which are a definite must-see! Fortunately, the British Library is open all week and its close proximity to campus is perfect for a spontaneous wander between lectures.

Russell Square

Sometimes a little down time with nature is necessary to escape the city noise! What better place to experience London’s green spaces than Bloomsbury’s very own Russell Square? This beautiful park is located only five minutes from UCL and is ideal for a little escape from London’s bustling streets. Providing the weather behaves, Russell Square is excellent social and study space. In the summer, the park becomes a popular spot for picnics and society meetings during the lunch hours. Russell Square also makes a great study break from the library during exam season!

That concludes our 5 top places to visit around campus! After just one visit, these not-so-hidden gems of Bloomsbury are likely to become your new home. However, the list definitely doesn’t end here! Extending your walk to 20 minutes from campus can take you anywhere between Camden Market and Covent Garden. Alternatively, catching a bus from UCL Main Quad is ideal if you want to explore the Southbank or the City! The possibilities are truly endless so go on and discover something new!

A word from the writer 

 

I’m Anaka, a final year Geography undergraduate at UCL. I’m a Senior Mentor within the department and an ambassador with the Royal Geographical Society – hence very enthusiastic about the subject! I’ve also worked at Open Days, Welcome Fairs and in Student Accommodation which have been great for interacting with new and prospective students. Outside of my studies, I like travelling, writing and playing the piano. Being from the home counties, I was very excited to move to London and will definitely be sticking around after graduation!