Tired of London, tired of life – as the inventor of the modern dictionary once said, and as every Londoner likes to remind you every so often. It may be an overused saying, but the sentiment runs true. There is a staggering amount to do in London; be it sport, art, music, partying – whatever your interest, it will be seen and heard in some corner of some alleyway in London.

As a student, with more time on your hands than most, what better time to move to the Big Smoke and explore this endlessly enchanting and relentlessly quirky city. Here, we’ve put together five of the best things to do in the capital, but we can assure you, the list goes on and on…

London Markets

London is famed for many things, but its markets are certainly one of its most defining features. Rooted in history, with Borough Market – the most famous of them all - existing for over a millennium, these intricate alleyways that lead us back in time offer a taste, quite literally, of authenticity in the capital. From West London’s quintessentially English Portobello Road Market, to the vibrant fish markets of Brixton and Herne Hill, these nostalgic stalls offer far more than a tasty bite to eat, from flowers to vintage clothes to antique memorabilia.

Nightlife

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For all the fascinating culture, history and landscapes of London, this isn’t the biggest appeal of the capital for many teenagers moving away from home for the first time. From all-night raves seven days a week to the classic student clubs, ‘XOYO, ‘Fabric’ and ‘Ministry of Sound’, there are enough nightclubs to visit a new venue every week of your degree – even if it’s medicine you plan on studying.

London is perhaps even more well-renowned for its glorious pub scene, with an estimated 3,827 spanning across the city. From seventeenth century relics that survived the Great Fire of London, to secret speakeasy dens, there will be a pub to suit whatever night out you have your eye on.

If you’re unlikely to run out of clubs, you’re guaranteed not to run out of pubs. If you do, it might just be worth re-evaluating your work-life balance.

Football matches

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Northern fans would wholeheartedly deny that London is the footballing capital of the country – and with Manchester City and Liverpool’s current form, it might be difficult to dispute.

That being said, London showcases the unparalleled English football pyramid – from several of the Premier League’s finest clubs, and indeed stadiums, including Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, to the strongest grassroots community in the UK. With the option of sinking into a 62,000 capacity venue to watch the best football league in the world, or strolling across any corner of any park to witness the more real, and probably more relatable, side of the game, you won’t be short of choice wherever you end up.

With Wembley Stadium, the home of English football, located in North West London, any major finals, or international fixtures, will also be on your doorstep.

Click here to find out more about studying a degree at Wembley Stadium.

Parks

The fast-paced, urban chaos of London can be a lot for lifelong Londoners, let alone those who’ve just moved to the city. But losing yourself in the capital’s idyllic parks provides the perfect escapism from the thrilling relentlessness that defines the capital.

With deer running freely across 2,500 acres of open space in Richmond Park, or city-dwellers of all ages giving rollerblading a go in Hyde Park, these enchanting enclaves of London are also an incredibly cheap way to waste away an afternoon, and you’ll keep yourself busy exploring every hidden walkway of every public park.

Museums and Galleries

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Another great thing to do on a student budget in London – step inside London’s blistering past at the National History Museum, or immerse yourself in the weird and the wonderful at the countless galleries on offer – from the Van Gogh immersive experience in Shoreditch, to the Football exhibition at the Design Museum, there is something for everyone – and something you never realised you were interested in.

The British Museum, National Gallery, Museum of London and many others are free to enter, providing you with light, and enlightening, without cutting into the bank.