Introducing: the KCL guide to time killing

Got a few hours between lectures? Not in the mood for the library? No friends hanging around? We’ve all been there and ‘there’ is bored.

1. Museums/Galleries

Ok so this is obvious and perhaps not that popular but when was the last time that you frequented one of the many great museums that we have on our doorstep? More importantly when did you  last go and actually look at the art/artefacts and not just at your phone? Students, go learn some things in your spare time. You’ll be a better individual because of it. Within walking distance are the British Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and Tate Modern, to name but a few. I recommend the Soho Photographer’s Gallery.

Pretty and FREE

2. Climb the Monument

A 20 minute walk from the strand and probably less from Guy’s, why not go climb a big ol’ pillar? It costs £3 which, let’s face it, even the most budget-conscious of us can probably stretch to and you get a certificate! A sense of accomplishment awaits you at the top of the 311 step climb.

3. Visit the Houses of Parliament

Another very obvious choice but it may be something that you haven’t actually done before thanks to the hoards of tourists clogging up Whitehall. If you’re free at a time when the tourists are still enjoying their continental breakfasts then why not seize the opportunity to swan around the place where the decisions of this country are made? The guided tour is at quite an un-student-y price of £16.50 but you can wander around aimlessly for free.

5. Southbank Centre

Go dawdle across the windy strip that is Waterloo Bridge and you’ll find yourself at the Southbank Centre. On any given day there are numerous, varied events and exhibitions taking place and there’s always at least one that’s going free. Having a quick look online now for example, I can see two different art showings, a classical music event and an open book club. Something for everyone.

6. Cinema

Now, you are probably dismissing this idea already as it is expensive but let me explain. If you have one of those extraordinarily annoying long gaps between lectures and you have time to fit in a film, head over to the nearest Curzon cinema (Soho) for a £5 student ticket before 5pm Mondays-Fridays. They have a great mix of big box office films and more alternative options so whether you’re a rom-com lover or a bit of an avant garde movie geek, they’ll have something you will want to watch.

It also has a bar…

7. Bowling

Ok, this may not be one you want to do alone but the Palace Superbowl (located inside the Elephant and Castle shopping centre) is only a 15 minute bus ride away. It’s old and it’s tacky but it’s cheap and it’s cheerful. This is a great way to pass the time and they encourage their student clientele with their prices: on a Monday or Tuesday you can bowl for just £2.35 a game (or £5.95 for unlimited, all-day bowling). This is surprisingly addictive and you may find that your friends develop a Tuesday Bowling tradition.

8. Boris Bike

Students are pretty much always in need of exercise, we drink a whole lot more than we should and we’re pretty darn lazy. If the sun is shining whilst you’re on break why not pay the £2 for your 24hr access and enjoy riding around on the banks of the Thames. Head west from the strand and you’ll find yourself outside Buckingham palace.

Safety first

9. Covent Garden

A 5 minute walk westward and voila, Covent Garden, a hotspot for the senses. Be it the Monday market of old watches and miss-match art or the array of opera singers and cellists that encourages you to visit, you won’t be disappointed. Wander the shops and enjoy the street performers before half heartedly heading back to lectures. Thursday’s farmer’s market stall set up is particularly good if you’re looking for lunch too, though you may be overwhelmed by choice.

10. Food

Eating is universally acknowledged as the best past-time. Why not use this time to become better acquainted with the mind blowing number of cafes and restaurants that are on our doorstep? If you’re operating on a budget check out our other Tab article: Where to go on your lunch break with a fiver.

Or why not just go for a nap?