Activities

Students who attend the London Center are encouraged to immerse themselves in British life and culture. The ICLC weekly email will include information about free and low-cost events in and around the City. In addition, students have the option to purchase a discounted membership to Imperial College Students' Union (a leading U.K. university within walking distance of the ICLC), Student Central (a students’ recreational facility of the University of London with its own gym), and International Student House (a residence for International and British students that offers social events and a travel club). These venues all provide ideal opportunities to join student clubs, meet other students, and/or find a place to study beyond the ICLC.

Westminster & The South Bank

This whistle-stop walking tour provides a wonderful introduction to all that London has to offer during orientation week. It begins in Westminster, the historic heart of royal and political London, and continues to the soaring spires of Westminster Abbey, burial place of kings and queens since 1066. Cross the River Thames to take in the glorious views of the Gothic Palace of Westminster and the seat of the U.K. Parliament. Continue along the buzzing South Bank, which provides students an introduction to the thriving arts and culture scene that will be encountered during the semester: the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the Tate Modern gallery. Along the way, the opportunity may be given to enjoy street performances or stop at international food stalls for a small sample. The orientation walk is concluded with contrasting views of the Baroque splendor of St Paul's Cathedral and the cutting edge contemporary architecture of the financial district.

Secrets of Soho

Starting with the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus (The ‘Times Square’ of London), explore the beating heart of the entertainment district in edgy bohemian and colorful Soho; one of the 60 or so ‘villages’ that make up central London. Soho (originally a hunting cry) is a maze of narrow streets, alleys, and courts packed with independent boutiques and restaurants. From Italian coffee shops, Korean noodle bars, and traditional pubs, to the best French patisserie in London, Soho is testimony to the thousands of immigrants that have found their home in London over the centuries. There will be time to discuss the more colorful history in leafy Soho Square and some of its more famous residents including Karl Marx, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Bowie! Stroll along Old Compton Street, the heart of the LBGTQ+ community, crossing Shaftesbury Avenue (with 6 theaters on one street), and end in bustling Chinatown and the heart of the movie theater district, Leicester Square. 

Throughout the semester there are regular coffee talks at the Center. They serve as an opportunity for staff and students to get together in a relaxed atmosphere to talk about their adventures, learning experiences, travel plans, and more. This time also gives students a chance to learn more about upcoming trips and events. In addition to tea, coffee, and hot chocolate there is a selection of classic British biscuits, from custard creams to jammy dodgers.