Tag Archives: lifeinlondon

The 5 best Portuguese restaurants in London

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Mariana Marques

Explore London Food, lifeinlondon, london.

London has an absolutely great variety of cuisines, but nothing beats the traditional food from our country. Thankfully, there are many Portuguese restaurants in the city centre whose food taste exactly like home. It is true that most of them are on the pricier end, but some of them really are worth treating yourself to at least once.

Bar Dour

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One of the best, Bar Dour, serves traditional food from Porto, my hometown, including the so-popular sardines and the best fish in London (you can almost feel you are in Porto!). The environment is welcoming, though the decoration is definitely much posher than the typical restaurant you would find in this Portuguese city. It is located between Southwark and London Bridge station.

Santa Nata

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Santa Nata in Covent Garden is definitely for nata lovers. If you are one of the few that has never tried natas, then this is a must-go place. This bakery/coffee shop produces the creamiest egg custard (the secret to the perfect nata), exactly like the ones you’d have in Portugal. This sweet tart is all over London, even in non-traditional coffee shops and restaurants, but not many produce real, good-quality ones. Santa Nata also has a large window that allows customers to see the full production.

O Cantinho de Portugal

O Cantinho de Portugal restaurant has an extensive menu of authentic Portuguese food only, if you want to try more than the typical sardines, Porto wine or custard tarts. It is family-run, and it is located in Stockwell— an area well-known for being the home of many Portuguese people. I’d suggest you go for the Francesinha, codfish or monkfish.

Estrela

Another one that I’ve visited and would recommend is Estrela. Once again, this is a family-run business and all the staff is Portuguese. They tried to compile all the best of the Portuguese culture and cuisine to provide a friendly space to their customers while honouring traditions. The food is absolutely divine, and they accept reservations for events too – in case you feel like throwing a memorable Portuguese party! Find Estrela in South Lambeth Road (closest station is Oval).

A Toca

Last but not least, there is A Toca – I celebrated my 18^thbirthday here with some friends, so this place is definitely dear to my heart. The staff is very welcoming, the decoration is 100% what you would find in typical Portuguese restaurants in Porto or Lisbon, and the food is delicious— though, I have to mention, a little more expensive than in Portugal. A main meal would be around £12-16. This one is located in Camden.

These are just a few of the many Portuguese places in London (most of them are around Brixton and Stockwell) — I’ve tried these and can safely say you won’t regret coming here! Plus, Portugal has an extraordinary cuisine— a lot of fish dishes (the most popular being the codfish), great beer and beautiful desserts. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do, always!

Mastering the student life

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Patricia Nascimento

Advice, Postgraduate lifeinlondon, Postgraduate, work life balance.

Studying a postgraduate degree related to your passions is exciting especially if you are doing it at one of the most exhilarating cities in the world, right? Well, there’s more to it.

Being a master’s student involves dedication, time management, diligence and focus. You can enjoy London to the fullest, but you must master the balance of fun and work to ensure you have that top-notch degree on your CV. Here I tell you the way’s I have managed making it through my master’s degree without stress mounting.

Create a routine

My daily life in London is intense but very exciting. I have created a routine of waking up early to prepare my coursework as soon as it has been assigned to me, this way I avoided stress when deadlines approached. To soldier through I need lots of motivation and I can only describe mine in six letters: C-O-F-F-E-E. Tip: grab your cup and head straight to uni, London is amazing for it, you can find good coffee easily and for a very good price.

Work hard, play harder

Routines aside, studying in London means you’ve got to make time to enjoy its cosmopolitan energy. After a full-day of working hard on the comfy sofas on the third floor of the library, I like to reward myself at the pub with a cider among the company of friends.

Change your environment

If I get bored of studying at the library, I pack up and go to Goswell Road and sit down with my books in a coffee shop – there are countless around campus. I do this often because it allows me to enjoy the city, an added benefit while I get my work done and ultimately avoid building anxiety from work overload.

Weekends to the rescue

Weeks of work are intense and it’s not every day that I can release stress. Sometimes I get so tired I just want my best friend – my bed. So, during busier periods, I am left with the weekends for stress relief.

A warning but sometimes you will have to work through the weekends. But as I mentioned, it’s all about time management and if you plan ahead, you can definitely crash that party on the weekend feeling no guilt at all, and your schedule intact.

If you are into partying hard there’s lots of fun places near campus in Shoreditch, but be aware, you will not be in the best shape or form to study the next day – well, at least I can’t. I am usually knocked out asleep the next day whenever I go partying into the early morning. I usually reserve these nights for when I have no lectures the next day or big assignments ahead.

Embrace your living arrangements

It may sound strange, but during the exam period, or when you are working on a big assignment, it may seem like you are living within the University – I am not joking. I even thought about bringing a tent once. Just kidding! (Am I?).

I live in student accommodation and I’ve built good friendships with my hall mates. It’s good to talk to someone while you cook your meals; you may even have an unexpected study buddy in the common room some days. Having friends to share my difficulties and overall experiences has helped me cope with all the responsibilities I carry as a master’s student.

The golden rule is balance

Don’t be too hard on yourself that you sacrifice your free time, but don’t leave your work behind either because you’re enjoying London life too much. If you want to eat at your favourite restaurant but your deadline is in four days, get it delivered to you. You can enjoy that well deserved day off, while achieving top scores in your coursework too! It’s satisfying to acquire both fun memories and academic accomplishments. So, by the end of September, you could be receiving your degree and enjoying the sentiment of “my work is done!” while having spent the year in one of the best cities in the world. Well done!

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.

My top 5 ways to explore London culture

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Monica Foss

Explore London, MSc Food Policy, Postgraduate, School of Arts and Social Sciences lifeinlondon, london.

London’s attractions are the best in the world. That is not my opinion, that is fact! So, while you’re studying in the UK, this is how you can immerse yourself in the diversity of cultures that reside in this global metropolis.

1. Museums (all of them)

One of the best parts of living in London is that learning and artistic appreciation can be done for little to no cost. Nearly all the museums in London are free, meaning that this broke student has been to quite a few! The Museum of London is a journey through the 2,000 years of human history along the Thames, and I learn something new each time I visit. The Victoria and Albert Museum showcases artistic history from across the world in a beautiful Victorian building, as does the British Museum. Check out the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles, then move on to the mummies, the Assyrian lion hunt sculptures and the clock room (yes, clocks, it’s cooler than it sounds!). For a slightly more niche and eerie visit, try out The Old Operating Theatre. It’s a glimpse into the beginnings of surgery, where the scalpels look the same but anaesthesia was yet to be invented.

2. Food markets

London is a market town, and that means if you love food you will find no shortage of ways to discover the city through your stomach. Borough Market is the oldest, most well-known and one of my favourite places on earth, but there’s plenty more to discover. Broadway Market in Hackney is home to a variety of local food artisans as well as a vegan-only offshoot. KERB markets are all over the city but my favourite is at Camden, offering the tastiest selection of foods next to the canal. Pop Brixton and the Brixton Village Market display hipster excellence at the former and a staple tradition at the latter. Or find yourself a pop-up shop, like those in Old Street station, for an example of the ever-changing innovation of the city. Also – Chinatown. No explanation necessary.

3. Really old places

Seeing as people have been living in London for over 2,000 years (which you will have learned from your visit to the Museum of London), there’s a lot of history built in the fabric of the city. You’d be remiss to not see Buckingham Palace and wave hello to the Queen, admiring the parks that surround her home. Same goes with the plethora of Victorian gardens around the city, which began as private retreats for the wealthy but now provide peace and serenity for all of us. Holland Park in West London is one of my favourites, as are the more well-known parks like Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath. The Tower of London is another cultural “must-do”. A Norman castle with genuine Beefeaters to guide you around and terrifying ravens to remind you of the true nature of the place. What’s not to love?

4. Pubs

If you’re going to have a true cultural experience you must visit at least one, if not ten, pubs. They’re on every corner in every neighborhood and all have a welcoming vibe for those feeling thirsty or peckish. Get a pint on draught, order a classic pub meal (or a gastropub’s reinvention of the pub meal), and settle into the comforts of pub life. Chances are you’ll meet someone new, be it a local or fellow tourist. Or come especially for a game of rugby or football, the energy is unforgettable.

5. Street art

The skies may be grey but the energy on London’s streets is always in full force. In the city centre you will find a multitude of performers vying for tourists’ smiles, laughs and dimes. The acts vary from comedy to magic and acrobatics to singing. Slow down and appreciate a busker, as they are called, but make sure you tip them for your welcomed entertainment. Finally, keep your eyes peeled for street art. East London is the hub, but a beautiful mosaic or mural can be found wherever you are as long as you’re looking!

There’s no wrong way to enjoy London and as long as you get out of your flat or hotel, you’re bound to stumble on something interesting and learn a thing or two. Find your top five and let me know what they are!

Life in London (on a BUDGET!)

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Shivani Saboo

Cass Business School, Postgraduate budget, expensive, free, lifeinlondon, london, things to do.

London is assumed to be the most expensive city in the UK. Although I can’t deny that it can be expensive, the limit to which you spend entirely depends on you. I was very worried about not being able to control my expenses, but now after spending a year in London I can safely say it is possible and quite simple.

Here are a few tips and suggestions to help control your expenditure!

Student Oyster Card
If you need to use the tube or bus every single day, definitely get one of the student plans. For me, my accommodation is within walking distance of the university, therefore the “pay-as-you-go” option works out to be cheaper for me. Work out which works better for you. If you opt for a Travelcard, as a student you can get a 30% discount off adult rates. You can find more information here on the Transport for London website!
16 – 25 Rail Card
If you plan to visit different places within the UK, this card is a real boon. It gives you 1/3 off of rail fares. I would totally recommend this for an international student intending to visit the various treasures of this country! Please find more information here.
Linking of the above-mentioned cards
Sadly, I did not know about this feature until last month. Linking the student Oyster card and rail card can lead to further discounted rates. You can take your cards to any main station and ask at the desk to get the cards linked. It only takes about a minute!
UNiDAYS student discount
Who doesn’t love to shop and eat good food? Since you are a student, you are eligible for a UNiDAYS student discount on items ranging from fashion, beauty, food and technology. Just register and then enjoy the many discounts on offer! Please find more information here.
Sky Garden
London can safely boast of having one of the best skylines in the world! It has many iconic structures, like Tower Bridge, the Gherkin, BT Tower and The Shard to name just a few! The Sky Garden is one such structure from where you can see the entire London skyline for FREE! No, I am not kidding! I absolutely love going there. Plan your visit in advance and book yourself a slot since it tends to be all booked out quite quickly. You can book using this link.

If you end up using any of these suggestions, let me know by commenting below!

Living the life of a Londoner

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Brooke Mcneil

The City Law School, Undergraduate international student, Law, lifeinlondon, london, things to do.

Life in London is very fast-paced, with a high density of people commuting into the city during the working week. I have noticed many places around my accommodation, near Farringdon Underground Station, which are closed on Saturday and Sunday due to a reduced population on the weekend. However, the nightlife in London is very busy, with many people lining the streets around pubs after work to have a drink. Clubs like Fabric, Tiger Tiger and XOYO are busy at night, especially when they have student nights with discounts. The Alchemist is worth a mention, as it is a very popular cocktail bar that becomes busy at night with their fascinating ways of making drinks like chemists.

Here is my list of the top 10 things to do in London:

1. Visit “The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour” – but keep in mind that tickets must be purchased in advance! It takes about three hours to walk through and is located just outside of London, in Watford. It’s a must-see if you are a big Harry Potter fan!

2. For a law student, you can visit legal institutions such as the Houses of Parliament or the Supreme Court. You can even observe cases in the Supreme Court when the court is sitting.

3. Go see a musical in the famous West End, such as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” or “Book of Mormon”. You can often find tickets reduced at a discount for students.

4. Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park at Christmastime!

5. Go to an Arsenal football game to feel the excitement of one of the major sporting events in the UK.

6. Go on a ghost tour! There are several around London and they are a great (and spooky) way to learn about the history of this city.

7. Visit major iconic areas of London such as Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. Free to walk around, with great photo opportunities.

8. Take advantage of all the free museums!

9. Visit Westfield London, one of the UK’s major shopping centres. Free (unless you plan to max out your credit card!)

10. Walk around Camden Market and try the various food vendors, or try punting on the river!

Hopefully something on this list will catch your eye! If not, there are still plenty of other things to do in London that will surely provide you with an amazing experience.

Things to do in London as an international student

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Nina Wanjala

Cass Business School, Undergraduate lifeinlondon, london.

It is widely known that London is a very vibrant city with a lot to offer. However, coming here for the first time with no one to show you around can be daunting, especially since you do not know the places to visit. It is very easy feeling like a “sheep in the big city”. Therefore, in no particular order of importance, here are some of my top (and affordable!) things to do in London:

Oxford Street: As simple and as cliche as it may sound, nothing signifies your arrival here as much as being in the centre of London itself. Just taking a stroll here during the day or at night, when all the colourful lights have filled the air, will feel very magical. Nothing will make you feel like you’re in London as much as experiencing Europe’s busiest shopping street, filled with all types of people, numerous high streets, fashion stores, restaurants (there are many places where you can try different cuisines, such as Chinatown), bars, clubs and all types of things to do. During the day, there are also other places near Oxford Street that you can also visit, such as the National Gallery or Trafalgar Square, all for the price of £0!
Hyde Park: I would recommend visiting in the spring/summer (with the exception of say, Winter Wonderland). If the sun is out and you’re looking for something simple and affordable to do outdoors, this is definitely the place to be. Such a beautiful and enormous park, it is a great place to go and just lay on the grass and bask under the sun while having some good food and ice cream. Time will go by so fast and you’ll leave very relaxed. You could also hire bikes with Santander Cycles and ride through the park for a full day of fun. It is all a fantastic way of taking advantage of the few days that London decides to shine! As aforementioned, Winter Wonderland is also a must-see. My experience here was nothing short of sensational. From the rides, the food, the music, the atmosphere, just wow.
Shoreditch: This is such a trendy part of town, filled with so much art. Just like Oxford Street, all you need to do is to stroll to experience the magic that is present. Unlike Oxford Street however, this is the place to head for independent boutiques as there are so many vintage and design stores. A must-visit is Brick Lane, where there is so much beautiful graffiti on the walls, an eclectic dining scene and so much to see and do, with an urban edge. Also, there are plenty of creative events that go on around Shoreditch and it is not rare for you to stumble upon a spoken word or open mic night (most of which are free). It’s all good news here really.
Camden Market: There is so much going on here. Be it selling of crafts, books, clothing, jewellery, live music, fancy restaurants, street food, beautiful scenery, a thriving nightlife scene – it’s just all too magnificent to put into words and definitely worth paying a visit!
Museum of London: Obviously, the UK has a rich history and visiting museums is something I’m pretty sure everyone has been told to do here before. This is definitely my favourite museum so far, as I literally felt like I was taking a journey from the past to the present day. You get to actually walk the streets of Victorian London and take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens. It’s so informative yet so fun at the same time. (and it’s…free!)

Obviously, there’s much more to do in London and it is not limited to this list, but the times I have found myself appreciating this city most are when I stumble upon places without intending to. Therefore, my advice to anyone would be to literally just explore, without necessarily having a destination.

Furthermore, apart from places to visit, there are so many experiences here that one should definitely take advantage of, such as plays and concerts. Although they can be expensive, I believe they are very much worth it every once in a while.

Life in London from an international student’s view

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Ibukunoluwa Ogundipe

Postgraduate, School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering #internationalstudent, lifeinlondon, london, msc.

Hello guys, it’s been a moment. In this article I’ll be talking about life in London. Is it as lively as people claim it is? Well, you’ll be the judge at the end of reading this article. Due to my analytical nature, I’ll break it down into three sections: shopping, religion and sightseeing/recreation.

Starting with shopping, don’t even get me started on the stores in London! Every single brand you could ever think of is represented on at least one London street. My favourite is Oxford Street! It consists of everything from high-end stores to small-scale souvenir shops. Popular brands tend to have more than one store in different locations on the same street. I was so astounded the first time I went there, I almost got lost! You should definitely check it out. However, take a map with you if it’s your first time visiting. There are also a number of markets in smaller communities such as Kilburn Market on Kilburn High Road, or Angel Market near Angel Station for your grocery shopping. When it comes to shopping, no worries because London has you covered. *inserts wink*

Talking about religion, I love how London welcomes all kinds of religions. For Christians, there are a number of conferences that come up during the year. There are also various churches you can visit depending on where you feel the most comfortable. I’d definitely recommend Jesus House or Hillsong Church. They have amazing people who are really welcoming!

On recreation/sightseeing, there are a thousand places to see: from Big Ben to the London Eye, the Shard to the Tate Modern, Buckingham Palace to Winter Wonderland (a must visit during Christmas). One of my favourites is Madame Tussauds! Some of these places mentioned will require a fee to gain access, such as the Shard or Madam Tussauds, but if you’re on a low budget and still interested in getting that eerie feeling from visiting a high-rise building, then you should visit Tate Modern which is near the Shard. You’ll love it.

There are also lots of museums and galleries to visit, most of which are free to enter (special exhibitions might cost you a fee). For example, the Museum of London is a short distance from City and is a good place to visit when you need some creative inspiration to finish that coursework.

Let me know in the comments below if you are looking forward to visiting any of these places!

Top 8 places in London for an international student on a budget

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Michelle Sarkisyan

School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate advice, budget, lifeinlondon, london, undergraduate.

Whenever I ask somebody for a piece of advice about what student-friendly things I can do in London, it is always kind of all museums and galleries. I love culture and art as much as the next person, honestly, I do. But if I had to go to free museums and portrait galleries every time I needed to distract myself from my assignments, I would have poked my eyes out. So I have made this list of five “on a budget” places you can go whenever you find some free time from your studies.

Number one: The London Eye… is, in my opinion, incredibly overrated. I know it’s a favourite with tourists and it’s just one of the most iconic images of London. But, to be honest, it can be quite expensive for a ticket and around the 10-minute mark it can get quite boring, as you are looking at the same view all the way around. Instead, if you would like to do something different, you can go to The Shard. Although there is an admission fee, there is no time limit on your stay, you can purchase drinks and snacks and, most importantly, enjoy the breathtaking view from Level 72 whilst walking amongst the clouds!

The Shard (image: Michelle Sarkisyan)

Number two: London is home to many fictional and non-fictional characters. If you are a nerd like me, you will enjoy the following places:

1. Probably one of the most well-known fictional characters is Harry Potter. I would really like to suggest the ‘Harry Potter: Warner Brothers Studio Tour’, however, the ticket price is not necessarily budget-friendly! A “muggle” substitute is the Harry Potter Shop at King’s Cross Station, where you can see Platform 9 3/4 and pretend to push a trolley through the wall.
2. Shakespeare’s Globe has been reconstructed – this is not the original. However, it is beautiful! You don’t have to go inside, just take a picture and then visit the pub next door, or walk down South Bank to the Tate Modern and swing on the fun group swings.
3. Sherlock Holmes. You can visit his house-museum at 221B Baker Street, take pictures in his Victorian apartment and enjoy a waxwork exhibition of his most popular adventures. The gift shop is free to go in and explore all the unusual objects and souvenirs that are available for purchase.

“COME IN WE’RE very OPEN minded” (image: Michelle Sarkisyan)

Number three: The markets! There are so many in London! My favourite is Camden Market. It is located relatively close to City and it is the collective name of several large markets selling crafts, clothes, jewellery and food from all over the world, as well as a huge variety of weird and wonderful things. The Borough of Camden itself is a lively base in London for the alternative crowd. The non-conformists who you will meet there are as interesting as the market itself.

Number four: Walk, walk, walk! London has so many hidden gems that you cannot discover just from riding on a double-decker bus. One of my favourite areas is the South Bank, right beside the River Thames. It’s a tree-lined riverside walkway with many restaurants, pubs and iconic landmarks like Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral. You can enjoy street performers, frequent fairs at the Southbank Centre, and incredible photo opportunities.

Number five: Travel! London can give you so much more than the usual tourist destinations. Hop on a bus or the tube and explore! I will share with you two of my favourite places I have discovered from my journeys.

1. God’s Own Junkyard. Take the N56 bus from the bus stop outside City Bar, and for an hours’ time and £1.50 less in your bank account, you will be in one of the most incredible places I have ever been. It is bright, vintage and free. It has good music, food, neon signs and such a lovely staff.
2. Junkyard Golf Club. This time, take the N205 bus and 30 minutes later you will arrive at these crazy 9-hole golf courses. The ambience is more than incredible – UV lights, loud music, food, and weird cocktails!