A warm welcome to the international students studying at the London School of Economics (LSE) this summer. We’re delighted you’re visiting London and look forward to supporting you with your stay this summer.

This guide is here to help you settle in, find your footing, and make the most of your summer at LSE – from sorting the essentials early to discovering how to explore, enjoy, and feel at home in this lively corner of the city.

Want a taste of true English culture? Don’t miss our roundup of 12 traditional English things to try in London – it’s packed with iconic experiences to help you dive into local life.

Inside, you’ll find practical tips on where to stock up on groceries, pick up a local SIM, or exchange currency. Along with ideas for getting to know your new neighbourhood, uncovering great coffee spots, and finding quiet green spaces to unwind between lectures.

London might feel big at first, but this part of town? It’s compact, connected, and full of places you’ll come to know and love. Want tips from an American student who’s already lived the London experience? Read our interview with Brendon – a US student and former Student Luxe staff member – for insider tips on making the most of your time in the city.

Where is LSE?

Chances are you already know it’s right in the heart of central London, but here’s a quick overview. Just a short walk from Holborn, Covent Garden, and Temple, LSE sits on the edge of the Strand and Lincoln’s Inn Fields: a neighbourhood rich with history, tucked-away gardens, and some of the city’s best lunch spots.

This part of London is incredibly walkable, with quick connections to the West End, the Thames, and leafy Bloomsbury. Most essentials – from supermarkets and pharmacies to coffee shops and cornershops – are no more than a ten-minute stroll away. And for everything else, you’ve got a web of tube lines just around the corner to get you anywhere in the city.

Getting to London

Flying in from the US? If so, you’ll most likely arrive at either Heathrow or Gatwick, London’s two major international airports. Both offer direct routes into the city centre, but here’s what you need to know to get to campus smoothly:

From Heathrow (Zone 6):

Elizabeth line – Direct to central London (e.g., Tottenham Court Road) in around 35 minutes. More affordable than the Heathrow Express.
Heathrow Express – Fastest option to Paddington Station (15 minutes), but more expensive.
Piccadilly line (Tube) – Budget-friendly and connects directly to central stations like Holborn and Covent Garden. Journey time: 50–60 minutes.
Airport buses – National Express and easyBus offer coach services to central London, but can take longer depending on traffic.

From Gatwick:

Gatwick Express – Direct to Victoria Station in about 30 minutes.
Thameslink trains – A more affordable option with stops at London Bridge, Blackfriars, and Farringdon, all with good connections to LSE.
Southern Rail – Cheaper alternative to the Gatwick Express, also arriving at Victoria.
Coaches – National Express coaches are available but slower than trains. Travel tip: If you're arriving with lots of luggage, consider taking a taxi or booking an airport transfer for added convenience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with London’s transport system.

Taxi and private hire:

For ultimate convenience. We’ve partnered with Addison Lee, the premium choice for cars, taxis and courier services. You can pre-book your pick from the airport here.

Once you're in the city, if you need a taxi, we recommend hailing down an iconic 'Black Taxi' – these guys know the city better than anyone and are the safest, quickest and most reliable taxi service.

Getting around London

London’s extensive transport network makes getting around easy.

Tube stations near LSE (Zone 1):

Holborn (Central & Piccadilly lines) – 5 min walk
Temple (District & Circle lines) – 5 min walk
Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) – 7 min walk
Chancery Lane (Central line) – 10 min walk
Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District & Circle) – 12 min walk
Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth & Central lines) – 15 min walk

National Rail stations (short bus/tube rides away):

Waterloo
Charing Cross
Farringdon

Bus routes:

Routes 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, and 188 run nearby on Aldwych, Kingsway, and The Strand, with night buses also available.

Travel by bike:

Central London is becoming more bike-friendly. Services like Lime and Forest offer electric bike rentals, perfect for quick trips to and from campus. Day passes or monthly plans make biking affordable and often faster than public transport. For tips on getting around London bike, read our cycling abroad blog post.

Registering with a GP & NHS healthcare

A GP (General Practitioner) is your first contact for most healthcare services, from routine check-ups to urgent care.

To register:

Find a nearby NHS GP practice, like St Philips Medical Centre at Pethick-Lawrence House (near LSE).
Fill out the relevant registration forms (online or in person). Which will ask you for details like: our full name, date of birth, and address, your previous GP (if applicable), any current medical conditions or medications you are taking.
Provide ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address.
Wait a few days for confirmation.

If you need help, LSE’s Student Services Centre can provide registration letters or guidance.

Opening a UK bank account for summer

A UK bank account isn’t essential for short stays – many students use international or online-only cards – but it does make managing money easier, especially for rent, mobile plans, and online shopping.

Traditional banks like Barclays and NatWest require proof of address and study and can take a few days to open accounts. Digital-only banks like Monzo, Revolut, and Starling open accounts in minutes, with no paperwork, making them great for budgeting and payments.

To open an account, you’ll need:

A passport or national ID
Proof of address (utility bill or accommodation letter)
Proof of student status (offer or enrolment letter)

LSE’s Student Services Centre can provide a bank letter confirming your enrolment and UK address.

Using money exchanges or bureau de changes

If you arrive with foreign currency, exchange it smartly to avoid poor rates and high fees.

Options near LSE include:

Thomas Exchange Global Holborn (WC2B 6PP) – known for competitive rates and low or no commissions
Local post offices with bureau de change services. Such as the Holborn Post Office (WC1V 7RL).

Banks sometimes offer exchange services but usually at less favourable rates.

SIM cards and mobile data

Stay connected without costly roaming by picking up a UK SIM card. You can buy them at Tesco Express, Boots, and dedicated mobile stores near LSE like EE (WC2E 9NR), Three (WC2E 9LZ), Vodafone (WC2E 9JR), and O2 (WC2N 6RJ).

For a short stay, Pay As You Go (PAYG) SIMs are best – no bank account or ID needed.

Popular student-friendly providers include Lebara, and Lyca Mobile, which offer cheap international calls and flexible data plans.

Supermarkets

Finding supermarkets in central London can be tricky, but there are several close to LSE, mostly mini supermarkets stocking everything you need – from groceries and toiletries to ready meals and household essentials.

London supermarkets range from mainstream shops like Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s to budget-friendly options like Aldi and Lidl. There are also international supermarkets nearby offering exotic and specialist produce.

Here are some supermarkets near LSE:

Tesco Express – Holborn, WC1R 5JA
M&S Food – Holborn, WC1V 7PD
Sainsbury’s Local – Holborn, EC1N 2TD
Amazon Fresh – Holborn, WC1V 7BN
Whole Foods Market – Piccadilly, W1B 5AR (for international and organic options)
EKAU / Wonderful Life Creator – Holborn, WC1A 1NU (Asian supermarket)

Cornershops

Cornershops or newsagents (London’s version of convenience stores) are found on most street corners and are usually open late – many until 10 or 11pm, some 24/7. You can pick up snacks, drinks, toiletries, SIM cards, phone top-ups, alcohol, cigarettes, and basic groceries here.

Here are some cornershops close by campus:

Kipps Off Licence & Newsagent – West End, WC2H 9BJ
Bloomsbury Local Store – Bloomsbury, WC1B 3QA

Pharmacies and healthcare access

Pharmacies (also called chemists) are where you’ll find prescription and over-the-counter medicine. The two biggest chains in London are Boots and Superdrug, with many independents sprinkled around – including near LSE. Some supermarkets like Tesco also have in-store pharmacies.

To get prescription medicine, you’ll need a prescription from a GP (doctor). It’s a good idea to register with a local GP if you plan to stay longer than three months (though some walk-in centres and private GPs accept shorter stays).

Prescriptions usually cost around £10 per item unless you qualify for an exemption. Common medicines like painkillers, allergy relief, and cold remedies can be bought without a prescription.

Pharmacies are typically open 9am–6pm but some are 24/7 – check inside if unsure.

Here are some pharmacies near LSE:

Boots – Holborn, WC2B 6PP
Superdrug – Holborn, WC1V 7DA
Kerrs – Bloomsbury, WC1A 2SA

Electrical sockets and plugs

Some top tips for powering up safely and smoothly during your stay:

The UK uses Type G plugs with three rectangular pins.
Voltage is 230V (higher than the US 120V), so check your devices for compatibility.
It’s best to buy a plug adapter before you travel (online or at electronics stores).
Plug adapters are also available for purchase at airports upon arrival, but options may be limited.
For devices not compatible with 230V, use a voltage converter.
Always unplug devices when not in use and avoid overloading sockets.

Staying safe

London is generally safe but be aware and take these precautions:

Keep an eye on belongings in busy places like Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and the Tube.
Avoid using your mobile phone while walking in central London – phone thefts by snatch-and-grab thieves on bikes and scooters are common.
Use licensed black cabs, minicabs, or Uber/Bolt for late-night travel – avoid unlicensed taxis.
Stick to well-lit streets when walking after dark and stay in groups.
Lock bikes securely with a D-lock and register it. LSE has secure bike racks.
Don’t flash valuables in public, especially at night.
Never leave your drink unattended in pubs or clubs, and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
Try to keep one ear free if you're listening to music or using AirPods in public – staying aware of your surroundings is important.

Emergency contacts:

999 for emergencies
101 for non-urgent police support
LSE Security is available 24/7 on campus for immediate help

Student ID discounts

Your LSE student ID unlocks discounts on food, travel, entertainment, and more. Carry it with you and always ask if a student discount is available — many places offer them but don’t advertise.

Some perks include:

30% off travelcards with a 16–25 Railcard linked to an Oyster card, or an 18+ Student Oyster Card
Savings on clothing and tech at retailers like ASOS, Apple, Samsung, and Nike via UniDAYS or Student Beans
Discounts at chains like Wasabi, Tortilla, PizzaExpress, and Franco Manca
Cheaper cinema tickets at ODEON, Vue, and Everyman
Cheaper gym memberships (PureGym, university gyms)
Reduced West End show tickets through TodayTix or LSESU deals

Things to do near LSE

The neighbourhood around LSE is full of great spots to explore:

Restaurants

Flat Iron (WC2E 8QH).
Breadstall Pizza (W1F 0QB).
Poppies Fish & Chips (W1D 6HW).
Seven Dials Market (Covent Garden, WC2H 9AU).
Dishoom (Covent Garden, WC2H 9FB).
Berenjak Soho (Soho, W1D 5AL).
Chung-dam (Soho, W1D 5DL).

Brunch spots

Caravan (Covent Garden, WC2E 9NA).
Yolk (Holborn, WC1V 6LJ).

Coffee shops

Neal Street Espresso (WC2H 9PS).
Algerian Coffee Store (Soho, W1D 4QE).
Redemption Coffee Roasters (Covent Garden, WC2B 5RR).
Black Sheep Coffee (Holborn, WC2A 1PN).
Roasting Plant Coffee (Holborn, WC1V 6LJ).

Pubs

The Perseverance (WC1N 3NB).
The Lamb and Flag – for a Sunday roast (WC2E 9EB).
George IV (Aldwych, WC2A 2HE).
Ye Old White Horse (Holborn, WC2A 2HA).
Cittie of Yorke (Holborn, Cittie of Yorke).
Princess Louise (Holborn, WC1V 7EP).

Green spots

Lincoln’s Inn Fields – A favourite with students for sunny lunches, study breaks, and tennis courts.
Victoria Embankment Gardens – A peaceful green space by the Thames, great for unwinding.
Bloomsbury Square – Perfect for a peaceful lunch or a moment of inspiration between studies.
Tavistock Square – A thoughtful place to reflect, read, or get some peace away from city noise.

For more green spots in London to explore, read our must-visit parks and green spaces blog post.

Have a great stay

We hope this guide helps you hit the ground running and feel right at home in London.

Whether you're navigating the Tube, tracking down the best coffee near campus, or soaking up green spaces between lectures, there’s plenty here to make your summer smooth, memorable, and fun.

Remember, LSE is more than just a place to study – it’s your base for exploring one of the world’s most exciting cities.

From all of us: welcome again, and have a fantastic stay!

A little bit about us

Need an apartment close to campus and not yet secured it? Student Luxe provides high-quality, private student accommodation just moments from LSE, with great amenities and flexible options to suit your needs. If you have any questions or need a hand with your accommodation search, feel free to get in touch — we’re always happy to help.

Have a fantastic summer in London — enjoy every moment!

A guide to London for LSE summer students