Category Archives: London

The 5 best East Asian restaurants in London

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Joon Ha Park

Explore London, London Food, Lifestyle, social life.

Being a Korean international student who’s spent most of his life in Shanghai, there are times when I miss my comfort food. The Korean Fried Chicken, or the Dim Sum, and the hot, hearty stews are things I crave the most. I was pleased to find that there were others who shared my cravings and joined me on different East Asian culinary experiences in London.

So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my picks for the 5 best East Asian restaurants in London.

Haidilao

Craving some long-overdue hotpot? Haidilao is your saviour.

I’ve eaten at Haidilao before in Shanghai, but I really wanted to try it in London. It’s located in Piccadilly Square, just right next to the entrance to Chinatown overlooking Leicester Square (look below for the exact address). I went there with a few friends (eight to be exact), and it felt like I was back in Shanghai. We all arrived a little early, and were given board games to help us burn time. We were shown to our seats shortly after, and I’ve got to say, I had one of the best culinary experiences in London. Haidilao’s customer service is famously excellent and it was no different here in London.

We ordered four broths, a chock load of veggies, meat and seafood to please our palette. The price was a little expensive but it was definitely worth it. Just remember to make a reservation at least six days in advance if you want to avoid queueing! I highly recommend the tomato broth and getting ordering seafood as well as your preferred meat. All in all, a really wonderful experience, I highly recommend going with a few friends!

Address: Haidilao, Trocadero, Coventry Street, London W1D 7ER

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8150 0616

Hozi

As a Korean, I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss my country’s food. Hozi tended to my cravings well and in my opinion it is one of the best Korean restaurants in the whole city. The food is authentic, the service is great, and the whole experience just felt like I was back home in Korea. Highly recommend getting on of the stews (any of them are great), the Korean Fried Chicken and getting the seafood pancake (Haemul Pajeon). Goodness, I’m getting hungry now just writing about it. The food is very reasonably priced and and a culinary delight.

Address: Hozi, 25 – 27 Theobalds road, London WC1X 8SP

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7242 0978

Kimchee

Located in Holborn and King’s Cross, Kimchee is a great place to go for anyone who wants to try Korean cuisine. Their interior design is amazing and the menu is great too.

Make sure you get the chargrilled meat (pork belly and galbi are my picks) and a starter to really get the best out of your time there — the desserts are also quite nice. Reasonably priced and great service, all of the staff are really nice and most importantly, the food is top notch. Definitely would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for some Korean food.

Address: Kimchee, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6EA.

Telephone number: +44 (0)20 7430 0956

Misato

One of London’s cheapest student-friendly eats, Misato offers an array of Japanese dishes, ranging from sushi to Japanese curry. Whenever I go there, I always order the Pork Katsu with rice, and the portions are great if you want to please an empty stomach. It’s located in Chinatown, only around 30 minutes away from City by bus or tube.

Remember to bring cash when you go here! They don’t accept card payments.

Address: Misato, 11 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1D 6PG

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7734 0808

Haozhan

In my opinion, Chinatown’s Haozhan is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Their speciality — Peking Duck — is excellent and their Dim Sum is equally good. Dim Sum is served daily until 5pm which is the same for most restaurants in Chinatown. Peking Duck is served all day. Only a half-hour’s bus ride from Angel to China Town, the food at Haozhan is reasonably priced and the portions are just right. This is a great place to please your Dim Sum/Peking Duck cravings.

Address: Haozhan, 8 Gerrard Street, London W1D 5PJ

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7434 3838

Happy eating!

10 free apps every student should download

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Michelle Sarkisyan

Advice, Explore London, London advice, Apps, Commute, london, Night life.

These apps will not only make you feel productive but make you feel like a true Londoner – on top of your university and social life and know (or at least appear like you know) London like the back of your hand.

As students, we don’t quite have a routine day-to-day, instead we exist in the middle of a military zone. We are constantly tired, hungry, and bombarded with new compulsory readings and assessments we are required to complete within short notice.

We procrastinate and drink gallons of coffee thinking it will help us stay ahead of the game. Undoubtedly, we find ourselves prioritising our to-do list poorly – like choosing to clean our room instead of writing that much dreaded assignment – in an attempt to avoiding the unavoidable.

However, I have recommended ten student-friendly mobile apps that you must download – for finding secret clubs on a budget to finding your way around the big city.

Study apps

Moodle [Android/ iOS]

In a previous post of mine, How to Survive Exams, I have mentioned how essential Moodle is for students. With the Moodle app on your phone or desktop you can access everything offline – from PowerPoint presentations and library resources to timetable, grades and even your department’s common room. Only one click away from checking something quickly while on the tube or while running errands, Moodle will help you keep on top of everything university related.

Organise uni life on Moodle.

StudyBlue [Android/iOS]

This revision app is perfect for people who are flash card and quiz fanatics or even for those of you who don’t have enough time to study and prepare for coursework or exams.

StudyBlue is an app that enables you to customise your study materials with images and audio. You could quiz yourself, track your progress and set study reminders. My favourite features are the sharing tool that allows you to share flashcards with your classmates and teachers, and the search tool which allows you to find existing materials on the web with one easy keyword search. Use this app while commuting or when you want to squeeze in that last five minutes of revisions before you sit your exam.

Make revision manageable with StudyBlue

Citationsy [iOS]

This app takes away the hustle and bustle of referencing and creating a bibliography. This free app will organise your citations into different colour-coded projects and export them in over 8,500 different styles. The only thing you have to do is scan your book’s barcode to generate a reference formatted in Harvard, Chicago, or any other style that your university demands.

Let Citationsy create your bibliography

Evernote [Android/ iOS/ Web]

This app is extremely useful if you would like to be more organised and capture and priorities projects, ideas, and to-do lists in one single place. With Evernote, you could document ideas in a variety of formats, including sketches, photos, and web clippings. You could use the camera to scan and organise paper documents, handwritten notes, and drawings, create to-do lists and reminders or let multiple participants work on different aspects for joint projects. The best thing is that you can sync your mobile app with your computer and tablet, enabling you to document ideas and your train of thoughts, wherever you are.

Organise your notes on Evernote

Travel apps

CityMapper [Android/ iOS/ Web]

CityMapper is one of the best and most used apps I have ever downloaded on my phone. Even if you are familiar with London, this app will still be useful for your day-to-day commute. The only thing you need to do is select the location where you are heading to and the app will automatically give you different options of travel – including waking, cycling, bus, tube, it will even suggest Uber. The app displays the cost for each option of travel and estimates how long it will take you. It is incredibly precise and easy to use.

Plan your journeys on CityMapper

Trainline [Android/ iOS]

Used on a regular basis, Trainline helps me plan my trips accurately to the very last second. With this app you won’t have to wait in queues ever again – just add your railcard for discounts, buy and use the mobile ticket on the go. You can see live departure and arrival times for trains to your chosen destination, view the platform number, and receive live updates on delays and alterations to your journey. You don’t need to use your data allowance to upload your ticket to go through the gates, and you can enjoy the perks of a regular ticket – you have the option to cancel, change or refund your ticket all via the app.

Check your train schedule on Trainline

Railcard [Android/ iOS]

I am a passionate traveller and with the help of the Trainline app planning a journey has never been easier. However, I started spending way too much on tickets until I found out about the 16-25 Railcard discount. For only £30 it’ll save you 30 per cent on rail fares throughout Great Britain for a whole year. After you purchase your card, download the app in order to be verified if needed.

Claim your rail fair discounts with Railcard

Promotions & offers

DUSK [Android/ iOS]

Every Friday and on weekends students face the same problem. Where do I go to drink? What will they offer? Shall I go for quality drinks or budget drinks? DUSK is your answer!

It suggests you all the pubs and clubs in close proximity to you that DUSK partners with. Therefore you can enjoy discounts up to 30 per cent of your purchase but also have a free alcoholic drink per night. This app will help you find hidden pubs, hipster clubs and challenges you to try drinks and cocktails you might have not had the gut to try. Just select a bar, follow the app’s directions to the bar, and voila! enjoy cheap drinks and an amazing atmosphere!

Enjoy a night out with DUSK

UNiDAYS [Android/ iOS]

This student app will help you with your student budget at all times. It gives you instant access to student discounts with a variety of brands, including ASOS, Apple, Nike, Schuh, New Look, and Urban Outfitters. To register you need to sign up using your university email address to verify you’re a student. It could save you up to 40 per cent of your purchase and makes shopping incredibly satisfying!

Save on your shopping with UNiDAYS

Burger King [Android/ iOS]

If you enjoy the occasional junk food then, Burger King is your joint. The burger chain offers many deals and vouchers on their app. Log in using your Facebook account details and grab six delicious chilli cheese bites for only £1.29. From 2 for 1 regular whopper meals to a £0.50 regular fries, just present your code and enjoy tasty food on the cheap.

Enjoy cheap treats with Burger King

An honest guide to finding employment as an international student

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Brooke Mcneil

Advice, London international student, job, part-time job, work, work life.

Many international students choose to study in London because…well… it’s London, the city of opportunities.

For some, being an international student with a student visa in London may bring certain uncertainties when it comes to funding. Whether you are a student or planning to study in London, this guide will let you know what to expect when navigating the part-time job market while at university.

Rest assured, we have you covered!

What you need to know

To fund your fabulous lifestyle in London you may decide you want to take up part-time work around your studies. International students on student visas are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hour per week during term time – this is to ensure students do not compromise on their studies. Here are some tips to help you navigate future job prospects:

#1 You are not a freelancer or self-employed

It is important to note international students cannot be self-employed. However, some companies that deal with providing university students with flexible work require them to identify as a freelancer (a type of self-employment). So, it’s important you are aware of this before signing a job contract to ensure you do not have issues with the tax man.

#2 Request a ‘right to work’ checklist

If you are interested in temporary seasonal jobs (during your Christmas or summer break) you can work more than 20 hours per week. But first make sure you request a ‘right to work’ checklist from your course officer so you are fully aware of the officially recognised university vacation time.

#3 Know your rights

Do not let your employer try to pursued you into working more than 20 hours per week during term time. You have the right to say no. You will be found in violation of your visa terms if you go over those 20 hours.

#4 Be persistent and patient

Once you have been offered a position, companies would submit your details in their online management systems. Sometimes you may find you will be automatically rejected by the head office because of your visa. It might take a little while but they will re-submit your details manually. Just keep checking in with the employer as the job is yours.

For up-to-date information on your permission to work while studying, check out this useful guide or talk to an International Student Adviser at City, University of London’s student centre, to ensure you are well prepared before job hunting. You can browse job opportunities on our shortlist of websites for people looking for work while they study.

An honest guide to finding private accommodation as an international student

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Brooke Mcneil

Advice, London accommodation, lifeinlondon, london.

Being an international student in London is an amazing opportunity to brush up on your English language and to experience British culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to live in London when you are studying, as it is probably the best time in your life to experience the city.

Finding private accommodation can be a little complicated for international students who choose to live outside of halls. Here is the catch-22: you need to prove you have the funding to pay for your accommodation but you can only work up to 20 hours per week with your student visa (read more on finding work while studying with a student visa).

Here are some tips to get around this:

#1 House hunt out of term-time

To pass referencing checks, find a place during vacation months when you can work full-time and show the agency or landlord you are working full-time.

#2 Find a guarantor in full-time employment

If you need a guarantor because you do not make enough and you do not have any family based in the UK for support, there are companies that you can pay to be your guarantor for the length of your housing contract. But it may be a cheaper option to find a friend who is willing to be your guarantor who is in full-time employment.

#3 Have the funds to pay upfront

Some landlords or agencies may ask for advance rent payment for the minimum stay of the contract – this generally means paying six months to one-year rent. Technically every year international students are required to already have the funds in their account to pay for their year in the UK and must be able to show this when asked at the airport customs. This means that you should already have the money available for advanced rent.

#4 Share a house with friends

Find an empty home that is being rented out as a whole property then find working professionals to buddy up with. When it comes to referencing, the agency or landlord will average the income across the people in full-time employment – depending on how much they are earning in comparison to the rent of the house – which would mean that you would not need a guarantor or need to be in full-time employment.

6 student perks you should know about

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Brooke Mcneil

Advice, London discounts, international student, services.

There are many opportunities available to students to help them succeed during school, and long after university has ended. These opportunities can come in the form of discounts as well as extra support. Here are some services and discounts students should be aware about during their short time at university.

#1 Career services

Available to students to help them in a variety of ways, they are available to help with CVs, interviews, job searches, and provide various events throughout the year. These events generally include potential employers delivering information sessions.

#2 Unitemps

Offered to students as a short-term fix for jobs. Jobs outside of university are sometimes not understanding of a student’s schedule. Unitemps is created for students which allows them to work around their schedule. The Widening Participation scheme for mentoring younger students is also another opportunity for students to make some cash while working around their busy schedule.

#3 City Sport

City’s sport facility available to all students to help them stay active and take fun classes or participate in sports at discounted rates in comparison to regular gyms.

#4 Amazon

The shopping allows for students to enjoy a Prime account for free for six months and then at a discounted rate thereafter.

#5 Student Oyster

The travel card provides 30% off of travel rates to make travelling to university more affordable as well as exploring London more plausible.

#6 ISIC card

International students should also take advantage of the ISIC card which provides discounts on rail, hotels, food, clothing, subscriptions, and memberships. The card does cost an upfront fee so check out where the card can be used first to see if it will be put to good use if you decide to buy it.

The services and discounts listed above are just a short list of the perks of being a student. Take a look at the Student Centre for more services and discounts for City, University of London students.

My final days at City, University of London

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Ibukunoluwa Ogundipe

London, Postgraduate, School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering #internationalstudent, businesssytemsanalysisanddesign, dissertation, msc, thesis.

Hi, it’s been a while! I received a few messages on LinkedIn after my last article here, and I have to say I am really excited that some of you will be starting your postgraduate studies at City this year!

Unfortunately, this will be my last post on the blog as I have come to the end of my time studying at City. I thought about how best to wrap up, so I’d like to talk briefly about my final days here at the University and my tips for writing your dissertation.

It’s been an amazing year – a year of learning, socialising, hard work, giving back, self-awareness and so much more. Most of my final days have been spent in the Tait Building. What was I doing there? Writing my final thesis! Many postgraduate courses require you to submit a dissertation at the end of the year, which is worth four times your average course unit. See below my three major tips for when the time comes to write yours (make sure you have your pen and paper ready!)

1. Start on time!

Almost everyone knows this, but I can assure you only a few people practice it. I can’t stress this point enough because I made sure to start extremely early, but still ended up working until the last day proof-reading it. Obviously, your workload might be lighter than mine, but I was able to use the spare time I saved to triple-check my work.

2. Pick a topic you’re interested in!

Some people already know the topic they’d like to research from the moment they start their course. If that’s you, great! If not, don’t be weighed down by this. During your course year, look out for the modules you find really interesting and write down areas you’d like to potentially explore. I had no topic when I started out, but discovered my area of interest during the year, which was information visualisation.

3. Set personal deadlines!

The project team will release a timetable closer to the start of your dissertation. This contains the major deadlines set by the School. I’d advise you to take a step further by setting your own deadlines. Don’t set impossible targets, your goals must be SMART. What this does is to motivate you when the going gets tough. This is because you might get to the point where you’re just really tired of staring at your laptop. Your goals will keep you going at this point.

I hope these tips will come in handy. As for my plans after finishing my postgraduate course? Consulting! I’ll be starting a job in consulting soon, where I can apply all the amazing skills I’ve learnt at City.

Please comment below if you have any questions, and I wish you all the best!

Places to visit in London

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Shivani Saboo

Cass Business School, London, Postgraduate.

London is without a doubt my favourite city in the world. Its heritage and diversity make it an amazing place for students, with so much to do and explore.

Below, I have listed some of my favourite tourist hot-spots in London!

Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom. The entire building is phenomenal. I highly recommend visiting the magnificent State Rooms of the palace, which are only open to the public for two months a year while the Queen is not in residence. This is usually between the end of July and late September.

Oxford Street/Bond Street
All the major brands, as well as many restaurants, are located in this area. You can stroll through the streets and spend a whole day browsing and window shopping. Bond Street differs to Oxford Street in its selection of stores, with a greater focus on high-end shopping. Indeed, it is one of the most expensive shopping streets in London! Oxford Street features most high-street brands and is known for being Europe’s busiest shopping street.

Museums and Galleries
London has many museums and art galleries, many of them offering free admission to their permanent collections. Some of my favourites are the Natural History Museum, the Tate Modern and the Science Museum. And don’t forget about the Tower of London! There is definitely something for everyone, based on wherever your interests lie.

Platform 9 ¾
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you cannot miss this! London King’s Cross Station is famous for being the station that Harry Potter and other wizards used to make their way to Hogwarts. Pose for a picture beside a luggage trolley disappearing magically into the wall and have your photo taken to commemorate your wizarding journey forever!

Harrods
Harrods is one of London’s most famous department stores, known particularly for serving the elite and the super-rich. It opened its doors in 1824 and has been privileged to receive the Royal Family as a patron. It is definitely worth visiting for a taste of indulgence!