The best international culture spots for students in London
London has once again been crowned the best city in the world for students, beating out other famed student hot spots around the globe like Tokyo and Melbourne. It's no wonder that so many students — both local and international — choose London as their base while studying.
And a taste of home is never too far away in London! The city's multiculturalism, brilliant infrastructure and sheer variety also mean there's something for everyone, no matter how far from home you really are. There’re Irish bars, French pastries, bierkellers and temples aplenty.
Wherever you hail from, the famed neighbourhoods, restaurants and sites below are locations where all students can enjoy a dose of international culture, all without ever leaving the city!
Indian
Image: huckmag.com
Southall gained a sizeable Indian population in London after WWII due to the employment opportunities made available to Indian immigrants at the time. Little India was born, although it's actually not little at all. Curry has long been one of the UK's favourite foods, and the food in Little India is known as the best Indian food in London, so don't miss out. Then, you can walk off your meal with a visit to the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha that towers over the south pocket of the neighbourhood. It's the largest Sikh temple in the world outside of India, and it's still used as a place of worship but is also a sight you simply have to see.
American
Image: bigeasy.co.uk
While there are no specific areas dubbed as the home to American culture, London has substantial populations of Americans in neighbourhoods like St John's Wood, Kensington, Angel and Hampstead. Because of this, American influence and culture have long been running throughout most of London. Head over to All Star Lanes for a spot of bowling or stop for a bite to eat at The Big Easy — a steakhouse, crab shack, BBQ joint and cocktail bar rolled into one.
Chinese
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Chinatown has been the epicentre of London's Chinese community since the late 1960s. Chinese gates, street furniture and a pavilion were added in the 1980s. The street and parts of surrounding streets also became pedestrianised to make life more convenient for the foot traffic Chinatown receives. Chinatown is a true hub of Oriental authenticity, encompassing bakeries, bars, restaurants, reflexology, shops, health clinics, barbers, travel agents, and more.
British
Image: townandcountrymag.com
It’s easy to forget you’re still in the UK when in London — it’s an ecosystem in itself with ethnicities, values and infrastructure (not to mention pricing!) that’s much different compared to other parts in the country. The melting pot of cultures, cuisines, religions and ethnicities that exist here make London what it is. However, if you’re looking for a ‘typical’ taste of Britain, there’s no end of landmarks, famous streets, delectable restaurants and iconic spots around every corner. Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street, the pedestrian crossing where the Beatles took the photo for their Abbey Road album cover, The Ritz, The Shard, London Eye, O’Neill’s Irish pubs, The Gherkin. The list goes on.
Italian
Image: Elisabeth Blanchet
The southwestern corner of Clerkenwell holds Italian connection going back at least two centuries, resulting in the area being referred to as Little Italy. Also once known as Italian Hill or the Italian Quarter, Little Italy gained a growing population of working-class Italians in the 19th Century and has never looked back. Now, it's home to various pizzerias, fine dining restaurants and spots to sit for an aperitif or a glass of vino. Shops and delis are selling Italian goods, and the Roman Catholic procession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel takes place in July each year (having done so since at least 1896, except during wartime).
French
Image: marshandparsons.co.uk
Kensington, and specifically South Kensington, is known as the unofficial French neighbourhood of London. Locals are bound to bid you "Bonjour!" as you pass in the street. In the heart of the French community is the Institut Français, the official French government centre of language and culture in London, teaching French since 1910. The Parisienne cafè culture here is prominent, alongside whitewashed townhouses and cutesy bookstores. There are other pockets reminiscent of France in London, too, including parts of Hammersmith, Brick Lane and Notting Hill; however, South Kensington still holds the reputation of the 'French Quarter'.
German
Image: katzenjammers.co.uk
London's international population was primarily German way back when. As such, dotted around the city are German-inspired bierkellers and other spots to visit for steins, sausage, strudel, oompah and lederhosen. Try Katzenjammers for a fun night in a bierhall with a live band and flowing beer, Stein's Berlin, an elegant restaurant within a Grade II listed building, Hansel and Pretzel German bakery and delicatessen or The German Bookshop as a start.
There are plenty of ways for students to enjoy the international side of London. Simply walk outside for an adventure, Google locations or ask a local to direct you to any one of the thousands of cultural spots in the city.
For more student tips and information, take a look through our Student Advice articles. Or, if you’re looking for your next accommodation in London, browse the quality flats available with Beaumont House.
