Considering a summer in London?: These KCL students are sharing their experiences

Going to university in a city as vibrant and historic as London is pretty special.

Students are used to the hustle and bustle of term time, but what is it like to spend time here outside of term? What happens when the pace slows down and most students are gone?

The King’s Tab spoke to KCL students who stayed in London over the summer to see what their experiences have been like.

Whether you’re worried about expenses, curious about the social scene, or interested in support from King’s, here’s what they had to say.

Why stay in London?

For some students, financial situations encouraged them to stay, with long tenancy contracts and high travel expenses. For others, a summer in London meant time for exploration both personally and professionally.

Some wanted to understand what working life is like, prepare for life after graduation, and some simply wanted independence. As one student put it: “London still had more to offer.”

For international students, summer was also a chance to build roots in the UK by applying for jobs, making connections, and enjoying the city beyond term time.

What’s the vibe?

Some noticed how quiet it was without students, especially at the usual university hotspots like Somerset House and Waterloo Campus.

One student said there were “fewer queues at my fave spots that I usually avoid during term time”. With less people on campus and less pressure to socialise, it became easier to focus, unwind, and explore at their own pace.

But for every student who left, tourists arrived, keeping central areas like Southbank and Bond Street busy.

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Overall, many felt summer offered a more balanced version of the city: Less hectic, but still full of energy and opportunity.

Favourite activities in London

London often comes with high costs, which can be difficult for students on a budget. However, there are plenty of things to do that won’t break the bank. Visiting exhibitions and museums, browsing vintage record shops, or a picnic in Primrose Hill were among the recommended activities. Some took the time to revisit their favourite places like Hampstead Heath and Columbia Road Flower Market. Others enjoy journalling in the park, or catching a free or discounted show.

Staying in London over the summer gave many students the chance to explore parts of the city  they might not visit during the busy term, like Richmond, Highgate, Greenwich. For some, it was about deepening connections with local friends and family in quieter zones, while others discovered new hobbies like plane spotting at City Airport.

What support/connection is there to the university?

One student told The King’s Tab: “KCL did offer support and it was made abundantly clear to us via weekly program updates that support is available for anyone staying in London over the summer […] they offered one on one meetings with the student support team, and the ability to discuss support needs to to talk anything through over the summer.”

As well as emotional support, the university offers financial support. Another student mentioned “the university’s KAAS summer extension scheme has given me full support during my stay over summer. As someone who doesn’t receive student finance off term, the university lets me stay with reduced rent prices”.

While some students felt more disconnected from the King’s community over summer, some found ways to stay involved. One student participated in King’s Summer Skills Edge, which offered a chance to meet new people and explore niche interests like sustainable fashion.

What challenges have you faced staying in London?

Summer in London has not been without its challenges for students. While some chose to stay for their independence, loneliness can be a big issue. With friends and family back home, being in a place as big as London felt isolating. Students talked about missing home cooked meals and just the emotional comfort of their loved ones.

Heatwaves were also an issue, with limited air conditioning making things uncomfortable indoors, as well as budget constraints. Still, some students noted that these challenges pushed them in a positive direction: “The experience helped me become more independent and resourceful.”

What have been the highlights?

“The freedom to do whatever I wanted. London is such a a huge and diverse city that on any given day there’s thousands of things you could choose to do”, said one student.

Would you recommend staying in London for summer?

Essentially, yes they would. Many suggest at least one summer here, highlighting the city’s vibrant culture, endless activities, and opportunities for personal growth and independence. Some advise balancing city life with a visit home, having a job or a support network to avoid feelings of isolation or overwhelm.

As long as you prepare for the emotional ups and downs and stay connected, a summer in London can be your most incredible journey yet.