Despite being one of the most expensive cities to live in, London is also a host to lots of free activities. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still get lots from the city.  

Need help with your finances?

We know that London can be a very expensive city to live in. Check out this post on how to budget smart while still enjoying student life. You can also visit the Money Mentors, who are trained by the Money & Housing Advice Service at King’s to support students with all sorts of money-related matters. KCL Careers & Employability do not only provide career advice, but they can also help with looking for part-time work. 

Don’t forget to make the most out of student discounts. Apps such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans offer deals on clothes, food, and more. TOTUM student cards can unlock further offers and discounts at various venues, including cinemas, museums and galleries. 

1. Visit the Museums and Galleries

London is famous for its museums and galleries, many of which offer free entry. Whether you're into art, history, or science, there's something for everyone. 

• The British Museum: Discover artefacts from all over the world – including ancient civilisations, including the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian mummies. There are over 60 galleries you can enjoy for free. Although the British Museum is free to visit, you must book a timed entry ticket in advance to guarantee entry – some walk-up tickets are available each day, but entry is not guaranteed. 

• Tate Modern: Explore modern and contemporary art in this iconic riverside gallery. Here, you can see artwork for free from artists including Matisse, Picasso, Pollock, and Bourgeois. You can visit free collections including ‘Materials and Objects’ and ‘Performer and Participant’ 

• Tate Britain: Offers a more traditional look back through British art history from 1500 to today, including the world’s largest collection of works by JMW Turner, and paintings by Gainsborough, Whistler and Bacon. 

• South London Gallery: Despite hosting a variety of international programme, this gallery has a very local feel. Get to know South London better. We recommend you look at the ‘Interactive Map’ which provides a fascinating insight into the local area. 
   

2. Festivals

October in London is full of events and festivals, many of which are free to attend:

• London Literature Festival (October 18-29, 2024): Held at the Southbank Centre, this festival features talks, readings, and workshops. Some sessions are free, so check the schedule. 

• Diwali in Trafalgar Square (October 20, 2024): Celebrate the Festival of Lights with music, dance, and food in one of London’s most famous squares. 

• Bloomsbury Festival (October 18-27, 2024): This annual arts festival in the heart of London offers a mix of free performances, exhibitions, and talks. 

3. The Southbank Centre host regular free events each month, here are just two examples that we recommend: 

The Palestine Sound Archive is a celebration of music, spoken word and album artwork from Palestine, mainly from the 1960s – 1990s that showcase the richness and diversity of their cultural and musical heritage. This is free entry until 1st November 2024. 

Creative Encounters: Colours is a part of the Southbank Centre’s monthly programme, Creative Encounters. This month, colour therapist Momtaz Begum-Hossain is leading a weaving workshop where she reflects on the meanings of colour. 

Check out their calendar and explore what is available in October! 

4. London’s Parks

October is one of the best times to enjoy London’s parks as the trees change their colours. Here’s some recommendations: 

• Hyde Park: Take a walk around Serpentine Lake or relax in the open spaces. 

• Richmond Park: Visit to see the deer roaming freely.  

• Greenwich Park: For breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Thames, head to the top of the hill in Greenwich Park. 

• Ruskin Park (Next to Denmark Hill Campus): if you are a medical student or study at Denmark Hill, Ruskin Park is a great place to spend your lunch break. 

• Lincoln Inn Fields (a 5-minute walk from Strand Campus): If you’re based at Strand Campus, Lincoln Inn Fields is a great place to meet with friends between classes. 

5. Join a society or activity group

There are over 300 societies and activity groups at KCLSU, and they provide a great way to get involved, meet people, and bond over shared interests. Many of these groups do not have a membership fee, for example, the  Accounting and Finance Society , the Albanian Society, and the Geography Society are just a few examples. It couldn’t be easier to join a group, so head to our website and find a group to join!  

For more free events in London, check out Eventbrite’s website. Alternatively, Secret London has a list of 200 Fantastic Free Things To Do In London which has some incredible things to do – including some insights on how to get into some of London’s most exclusive buildings!