Your guide to London

From getting around town, tips on where to go once you're here, and London inspiration, this page has everything you need to hit the ground running.

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London has one of the most extensive, public transport networks in the world, spanning buses, trains, bicycles, boats, and a cable car. Once you get your head around some of the quirks, you’ll be able to get anywhere in London without any trouble.

Getting around

You can (and should) buy an Oyster card at your nearest London Underground station – it’s the payment method of choice on all public transport in London. Oyster fares are always cheaper than buying a single-use ticket and are capped, so there is a maximum daily/weekly amount you will be charged for travel.

You’ll also be eligible for several TFL (Transport for London) discounts on travel in London. As a Goldsmiths student, you’ll be able to apply for a Student Oyster Card, which gives you an automatic 30% discount on any Travelcards you buy. Find out more about Traveling in London, use the links in the sidebar.

An aerial photo of London

Source: Benjamin Davies/Unsplash

Explore, get lost, and find your own London.

Things to do

You know how to get around town – Great! Now what? London has an incredible number of things to do and see, and countless places to go shopping, eat, or get a drink. We have compiled a starter list of things you might want to check out, but there are many more to explore.

Peckham Levels

With seven floors of local independent businesses, Peckham Levels is a great place to spend an afternoon. From jewellery designers to food and drink, there's something for everyone. They even have famous colourful stairways, perfect for an Instagrammable shot.

Borough Market

Goldsmiths is only 10 minutes away from London Bridge. If you are looking for a tasty snack head to Borough Market for food choices galore! It is a great place to meet up with friends and soak up the buzzing atmosphere.

A food stall at Borough Market with fairy lights

One of the many food stalls on offer at Borough Market

Goldsmiths CCA

Goldsmiths’ very own Centre for Contemporary Arts, the CCA is in a redeveloped Victorian-era bathhouse on campus and is open to the public. The gallery hosts a guided tour of its free exhibitions every Sunday at 3pm (free admission). There is also a café tucked behind the main entrance, perfect for a study session.

Students standing outside the Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Arts

Goldsmiths' Centre for Contemporary Arts

MMX Gallery

A photography gallery nestled in the ground floor of a Victorian terraced house, MMX gallery has been hosting exhibitions by new artists, as well as previously hidden archives of vintage prints, since 2014.

Mughead Coffee

Located right in the centre of New Cross, Mughead Coffee supplies residents and Goldsmiths students with Square Mile Coffee, and various sweet and savoury snacks, including the best cream cheese cinnamon rolls in London.

Do you want to find out more about exploring London? Read our local area guides to find out what you can do close to campus.