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Living and Studying in London

(Picture: Photo of Students rehearsing in the Duke’s Hall)

London is an exciting and inspiring capital city in which to live and work. 30% of London residents were born outside England, and more than 300 languages are spoken in London: as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, it offers an unrivalled range of cultural and leisure activities. There is always something to do and somewhere to go— whatever your tastes.

The Academy is at the heart of the transport network, providing easy access from all parts of the city and beyond.

Music

London is widely acknowledged to be the musical capital of the world. The Academy is right in the heart of the city, within easy reach of many famous venues. The Wigmore Hall, only a few minutes’ walk from the Academy, has for generations been one of the most highly-regarded international venues for eminent recitalists.

London has five resident symphony orchestras, all of which perform regularly during term-time, as well as two major opera houses. The Academy has particularly strong links with the Philharmonia and London Symphony Orchestra as well as with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the London Sinfonietta.

London is a recognised centre for experimental jazz, and Academy students perform regularly at the famous 606 Club and Ronnie Scott’s. The city has a dynamic club scene.

Entertainment and the arts

London is a major international centre for all cultural activities.

Tate Britain, the Tate Modern Gallery at Bankside Power Station and the National Gallery are envied the world over. There are 300 museums in London, offering everything from the wealth of international artefacts in the British Museum to the latest interactive experience. Admission to the main collections of all London’s major museums and galleries is free.

London has over 100 theatres. The famous West End musicals are joined by numerous plays and new drama. Leicester Square is the centre of commercial British cinema, and London’s thriving circuit of ‘art’ cinema includes the National Film Theatre on the South Bank.

London landmarks

Few cities can boast as many public spaces as London. The Academy is situated next to the famous Regent’s Park, home of London Zoo and acres of beautiful gardens. Green Park, St James’s Park and Hyde Park are also very central, and there are many other open areas further out.

London’s historical buildings are too numerous to list, and a stroll around London can quickly become an exploration of the city’s past. The most famous of London’s churches is Wren’s masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral. Many fascinating churches in the financial heartland of the City host regular concerts. Further iconic buildings have been built in the past ten years—including the London Eye, the ‘big wheel’ which towers 450 feet above the Thames.

Accommodation

The Academy has access to a wide range of accommodation, including halls of residence in the University of London.

Travelling further afield

Trains and coaches travel direct from London to most of Britain’s major cities and to many areas of spectacular natural beauty. Paris and Brussels are only a few hours away via the Channel Tunnel, and London is amongst the world’s best served cities by air, with regular flights to every popular international destination.

Sport and shopping

London will host the 2012 Olympics and is the home to Wimbledon, Lords and the Oval cricket grounds, the English national rugby stadium Twickenham and several Premier League football clubs as well as the new Wembley Stadium.

The Academy has its own football team, and students have access to many more sporting facilities through the University of London, so there are plenty of opportunities to take part in your preferred sport.

If you like shopping you certainly won’t be disappointed. From historic shopping areas to the most modern designer stores, Oxford Street, Knightsbridge, Covent Garden and the alternative Camden Lock,
London has something for everyone.

London on a budget

Many students at the Academy have tight budgets, but there are plenty of activities in London which are free or inexpensive. Most museums and galleries offer free admission. Lunchtime concerts are often free, as of course are the famous street entertainers of Covent Garden. Many theatres and cinemas offer student standby tickets at half-price or less. The Academy is occasionally offered reduced-price tickets for concerts at the major venues. Many restaurants offer special deals on particular nights or at less busy times of day, and pubs and bars often advertise cheaper ‘happy hours’.

(Picture: Photo of The Academy’s main building)

The Academy’s building and the Duke’s Hall are centrally located on Marylebone Road. The David Josefowitz Recital Hall and 1–5 York Gate are alongside.
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