British Museum

This museum is famous throughout the world. Here you can see works that date back as far as the prehistoric times. There’s lots to see here such as the Rosetta Stone or the acient Egyptian mummies.

Museums in London

Science Museum

The science museum lets you see, touch and experience the major advances of science over the last 300 years.  There are lots of interactive exhibits and also an IMAX 3D Cinema to enjoy as well.

Natural History Museum

One of the main attractions at this museum is the dinosaur exhibition- which you can see throughout the year. However this isn’t all as there are a number of exhibitions showing a whole host of animals.

Museum of London

The Museum of London lets you discover all about the city.  There are lots of things to be found  here when it comes to the history of the city from prehistoric to modern times.

Firework Displays

There are a number of firework displays taking place all over the city that you and your friends can enjoy, giving you plenty of places to go to. The firework displays on Guy Fawkes Night take place all over London-meaning that no matter where you are living in the city, you definitely won’t miss out on anything that is taking place.

Firework Display

Theme parks

For a little extra than the normal price of a ticket you can also enjoy the firework displays at Legoland or Thorpe Park. With the theme park to keep you busy during the day, and the fireworks to then entertain you at night, you won’t be at a loss for something to do-  if you come here to see them.

The bonfire

As well as the firework displays there is also the bonfire and burning of the guy that takes place. This tradition dates back a long time and is an important part of Guy Fawkes Night.

Where is it?

Notting Hill is in West London. It can be found in the north- western corner of Kensington Gardens and Chelsea. You can get to Notting Hill by Tube, bus or on foot.

Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival is the second biggest street party in the world. It takes place during August with the parade being the main highlight. During the carnival you can spend the day eating Caribbean food, visiting stalls and listening to music.

Notting Hill Carnival

Portobello Market

The Portobello Market is one of the most famous markets in London. The market sells just about everything from clothes to antiques and food. It runs along the Portobello Road, which stretches for around two miles.

Other things to do

In Notting Hill you will also find lots of shops, bars and cafes where you can pass your time. One shop that is a must see on every film lovers list is the Travel Bookshop, made famous  by the 1999 film Notting Hill starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.The area also has a good club scene if you want to have a night out there with friends.

Cultural Festivals

There are a number of cultural festivals happening in London. The More London Free Festival runs throughout the summer and you can enjoy theatre, music and film screenings- without paying a penny.

Music Festivals

During the summer months there are many live music festivals taking place throughout the city. Many of the events are outdoors and there are artists playing all types of music from pop to rock and dance. From June right through to September, you can enjoy the music festivals taking place.

Other Events

Other events are also happening around the city, providing you with a different way to spend your afternoon. Between July and August you can take part in the British 10km Run, be part of the Open Weekend or even the street fairs taking place.

Hyde Park

Parks of London
Why not make the most of a good day and enjoy the sunshine in the park, along with a picnic with friends. There are many parks to visit but some of the most popular ones include Hyde Park, Regents Park and Richmond Park.

Attractions
Some things are best when done during a nice day. This is true when it comes to visiting some of  London, especially when it is the London Zoo and the Royal Botanic Gardens. On a nice day you can make the most of visiting all sorts of animals or exploring the grounds.

Music concerts

During your time at the school there will be the opportunity to see some musical concerts. London is well known for its music scene, as there is something to suit everyone, no matter what your taste.  With the school you will have the opportunity to go to some concerts such as rock and classical.

Film nights

If you want a quiet night in then a film night is the perfect way to relax, as well as a way of helping you to practice your English. There are lots of films available through the Film Club, which is free to join.

English Language Studio

Nights out

Whether it’s a casual night out in one of the local pubs, or a night in one the clubs of the city, there are many events organised for you and your friends to enjoy.

Trips

If you want to spend a little bit of time outside the city then there is the opportunity to go on trips to places such as Oxford and Cambridge. As well as this there is also the chance for you to visit Stratford Upon Avon, where Shakespeare was from.

Sight seeing

London is full of things to see and do. With the school you will be able to visit some of the most famous landmarks and attractions. You can enjoy the London Eye, trips along the River Thames, andeven a trip to Madame Tussauds.

Where is it?

Convent Garden is surrounded by Charing Cross Road, Kingsway, the Strand and Shaftesbury Avenue. There are a number of ways to get here from the Tube, the bus, or even going on foot, if you prefer to walk around the city.

Why is it famous?

Convent Garden is most famous for its market which was designed in 1632 by Inigo Jones.  It was the biggest fruit and vegetable market in England and remained this way for over 300 years, before the market moved away from the area in the 1970s.

However this isn’t the only reason that the area found fame. It has also been long associated with street entertainment, with one of the first Punch and Judy shows taking place here.

What is there to do today?

The fruit and veg markets may have gone, but in their place you can find markets offering arts and crafts, jewellery, clothes, boutiques and gift shops, to suit all tastes.

Aside from the markets there is also a lot going on in the Piazza- with street performers such as mime artists, jugglers and musicians entertaining the crowds. As well as this is there also the chance to go to the Opera or to see ballet shows in the theatre.

The area also offers some of the best restaurants and bars within London. There is plenty to choose from but because of the popularity of some places it may be best to book a table before going.

Theatreland

This is where you will find some of the most famous musicals and plays currently showing in London.

Typically, the theatres of the West End carry the tag of being commercial theatre. The West End is home to some of the biggest productions, with shows such as The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera. This is not surprising given that it is the home to UK film and theatre, with some of the shows running here for over twenty years. This makes taking a trip to “Theatre land” a must do for many tourists.

Phantom of the Opera

Shakespeare

It seems wrong to talk of English theatre and not mention Shakespeare. Many productions of his works will be found in the off- West End theatres. There are several theatres showing Shakespeare plays throughout the year.

Fringe Theatre

These theatres carry a tag of being more alternative. Alternative theatre or fringe theatre as it is also known will often be found around London. Some of these theatres can be found in London’s East End, famous for its music halls, burlesque shows and also alternative comedy. Some of the big names in comedy first started out here.

London Fringe Festival

The London Fringe Festival is an annual festival for film and visual art. It is a ten day festival for independent artists to showcase their work. With comedy, music and theatre there is always plenty happening.

Where is it?

Soho can be found in west-central London, surrounded by some of the most famous streets of the city ( Oxford Street, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road.). There are a number of metro stations that connect you to the area.

Soho’s history

The history of Soho is long and colourful, and is part of what has made it famous today.

With the rich avoiding this area between the 17^th and 20^th Century, the area began to gain a reputation for prostitutes, music halls and small theatres. At the start of the 19^th Century the area gained a Bohemian reputation, with many artists and musicians coming there, but spending more time drinking in the local bars than writing!

The area kept this somewhat seedy reputation for the most part of the 20^th and 21^st Century. However in the last few decades the area has really turned around. The 1950s saw the music scene take over, making Soho famous for its beatnik and jazz culture. It was also one of the places to be during the swinging 60s.

London Soho

What’s there today?

The district of Soho is now famous for its theatre shows, gay scene ( Old Compton Street), pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants. There are also many boutiques, if shopping is more your thing.

As well as this it continues to be a popular area for jazz music and has many live music nights happening.

You will find something here to suit every taste, making it one of London’s most fashionable areas.  Not only is it a must see for tourists, but it is also popular with many of the locals.

As a student, there will always come a time when your visa expires and you’re invited to leave the country. And many of us try to renew it wishing to stay a bit more. The whole process is not so simple. In fact, it’s as complicated as trying to get one for the first time. It takes a lot of your time and, of course, money. You must collect pay slips, if you work, and your bank statements from the previous months to prove you and your family can support your stay. Unnecessary to say you must have a good attendance and enroll for another year at school.

I know that some students have a clear plan in mind. They come to London to improve their language skills in a good school, immersed in a cosmopolitan city where English is (supposed to be) spoken all times. They want to go back to their home countries after that wishing that having spent this time in London will have increased their job opportunities and salary offers. Well, I’m the opposite. I’ve always put my personal life before the professional. When I arrived in London it was like a dream coming true. I met the kind of people I wanted to be. I mean, I met the kind of people I’ve always been but couldn’t show.

I love London and can’t deny. It’s not easy to live here. I’m a graduated psychologist. But I ended up working in a pub, one of those trendy places that people go to forget the insanity of week days. It’s the first time I leave mother’s house or pay my own living expenses. The first time I’m my only guide. Sometimes I compare my life in the English capital to that old dog your family’s had since your childhood. It takes an hour to go to the shop on the corner (just like the transport in London from anywhere to everywhere else), its fur is starting to fall everywhere. And people who see it from the outside will see nothing special in it. But it’s still my dog. And I kind of like to say that London is my city, even though I’m just here for a short time.

E. Dutra

I take the tube to school every day. And although it takes me about 40 minutes to go from Canada Water to Uxbridge Road, I got used to it after a while due to the many different ways I’ve figured out to make my daily journey more pleasant and useful. On Thursdays, for instance, I study for my chunking test. I’ve tried browsing the morning newspapers, reading books and magazines, and even flirting with other travellers. But nothing beats the companionship of my iPod.

Music has always been a good friend of mine. My childhood was not the nicest part of my life, like it’s supposed to be. So music was the sweetest escape from problems. I’d put my favourite records on and forget about the whole world. And thanks to my aunt, who was also  addicted to music, I became aware of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye, Tom Jobim & Joao Gilberto, Madonna and Michael Jackson. I made up my father’s mind that I needed to speak English (at the age of eight) so I could understand what all those people were singing about.

When I started enjoying artists that my parents didn’t appreciate, I was given a piece of hardware that would make lifetime dreams come true: a walkman. Life had changed. And  much for the better. Music could be anywhere. And the best thing was it sounded as if it were inside my head. What could be cooler than that? I spent hours and hours making a raft of mix tapes to create the most adequate soundtrack to each moment. CDs came a bit later but they were never as portable as these good fellows.

. Well, I’m not comfortable enough to speak for the so-called iPod generation. I’m in my late 20s so I empathize with the guys who suffered to leave one or two songs out of that perfect playlist just because it wouldn’t fit onto a 60-minute cassette tape.  I therefore  have a reason to be delighted with a machine that’s pocket-sized and not only  plays Beck’s latest album but also all the songs he’s ever recorded. It makes waiting rooms less boring. It turns my weekly shopping at the supermarket into fun. That friend of mine who is always late for our meetings seemed to have arrived faster this time. And now, if there’s a delay on the tube network due to some problem like ,’ A signalling problem at Lancaster Gate,’, I  have a playlist for that as well, no matter how long I have to wait.

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