Theater in London

If you study abroad in London, you’re in luck because it has one of the best theater scenes ever. While you’re here, even if you aren’t a theater buff, take the time to explore some of London’s best theaters and theater companies. To save you time, I’ll lay out where to go for great theater, and what to expect.

The West End: This is the “Broadway” of London. It has the mainstream musicals, such as “Mamma Mia”, “Shrek”, “Les Miserables”, etc. But it also houses very successful new musicals, revivals, and plays. These are big theaters that have high budgets for their shows – you will get a spectacle!

The West End

The Young Vic: This theater houses new works and has a very cool crowd. I just saw a production of “Three Sisters” here that completely made me rethink how I saw Chekov! The Young Vic has a very young vibe, and with tickets so cheap, it won’t make a dent in your savings to go.

The Young Vic

The Old Vic: The elder to the Young Vic, the Old Vic also produces high quality and low cost theater. The Old Vic prides itself on producing and showcasing some of the best talent in the world. Also, Kevin Spacey is the artistic director – I’m still hoping to see him there one day!

The Old Vic

Shakespeare’s Globe: The Globe is a “Shakespeare only” performance space. They crank out multiple high quality Shakespearian productions a year. The Globe is probably one of the most famous theaters in London, so I suggest you go!! It is only five pounds to stand in “the yard” (which is the floor space) and a bit more money to sit in the actual seats. But, I think everyone should experience standing in the yard. You can be first row for five pounds! Go when it's warm and not rainy though - the theater doesn't have a roof!

The Globe

Royal Court Theater: This theater prides itself on producing new works. There is always an interesting new show that’s never been seen before here, so I suggest you go before it becomes successful!

The Royal Court Theater

I hope you take the opportunity in London to see the AMAZING theater it has to offer. NYU often offers discount tickets to shows, and if you take any theater classes you are able to see shows almost every week!  Seeing shows has been one of my favorite experiences while in London. 

Tips for Weekend Trips!

Many students at NYU study abroad take the opportunity of living in another country to travel on weekends! Especially living in a city like London, I have tons of access to nearby European countries. Many of us take weekend trips (since we mostly have 3 day weekends) which are really fun, but also take preparation! (No matter how last minute the trip is!) So I am giving you a guide to the perfect weekend trip while abroad. Heeeerrree we go.

1. Have credit on your phone. Sometimes I go weeks without topping up my vodaphone. While traveling, make sure you are reachable!

2. Travel with friends. This may seem obvious (most people wouldn't go alone) but it really is important to travel with a group of friends that you trust! If something were to happen, you want to know that they would take care of you. 

3. Have a plan. Although it may be fun to go to a new country without any plans holding you back, the truth is you're only in this country for 2 days. Make the most of it and see things that you may never get the chance to see again!

4. Map out the boring stuff. Already know how to get from the airport/bus station/train station to your hostel. The time it takes to figure out where you're going is time wasted not exploring the city!

5. Have enough money. Do not travel with a small amount of money in your bank account. Not only will you want to be able to enjoy yourself while there, if there's an emergency you should have enough money for an expensive cab ride, etc. 

6. Tell everyone where you're going! Let people know (especially your parents) where you'll be for the weekend!

7. HAVE FUN!

I'm going to Amsterdam this weekend. I'll post about it next week! 

Venturing outside of the NYU London Campus

So, although the NYU campus is located in an amazing neighborhood in the city of London (right near Russell Square – beautiful!), it is very important to go see the other (just as awesome) neighborhoods in London! Here are some that I have gone to, or want to go to!

1.    Notting Hill – been to this one. Definitely check it out! Beautiful residential neighborhood, but if you go on Saturday, you can go to the Portobello Market!

2. Shoreditch – have been meaning to make it here! I hear it’s a very young, artistic neighborhood with great bars, clubs, and art galleries. (I hear Old Street and Curtain Road are especially fun)

3. Soho – really cool, hip area. Much like the Soho in New York! Greek and Brewer street have amazing boutiques, and there are tons of restaurants and bars. While you’re there, you can also check out a performance at the Soho Theatre!

Soho, London

4.   Camden – Haven’t been to Camden yet, but this is where you want to go to see a band play (you’ll probably go to Electric Ballroom or Underworld) but the Camden markets are also supposed to be amazing on the weekends!

Camden, London

5. Covent Garden – SUCH a cool hip neighborhood located only 20 minutes walk away from campus! Covent Garden houses “Neal’s Yard” which is a fun quirky square painted neon colors. There are tons of yoga studios, restaurants, and amazing shopping here.

Neal's Yard in Covent Garden, London

6. Brick Lane – home to the Brick Lane markets and tons of amazing vintage shops.

7. Brighton - Because, who the hell doesn't love a beach day? Haven't been yet, but I would love to see Brighton Beach before leaving London. 

Budgeting in London

So as we all know, London is expensive. Think New York expensive times two, because the dollar is like half the value of the pounds. So, assuming not everyone reading this has a money tree or large stock in the Apple company, budgeting tips are extremely helpful when you’re in London!

Tip #1: You can’t do everything. I know this one sucks, because of course studying in London is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and you want to be able to experience everything. And although you’ll want to travel every weekend to another country or eat a different cuisine every night, you just can’t do it. Say no to that weekend trip you don’t need to take, or that amazing vintage dress, or to going on the London eye for the 3^rd time. You need to save money to eat – you’ll come to London again, it’s not going anywhere!

Tip #2: Have a budget. This one is hard to keep to, since things will naturally pop up that you’ll want to do, but try to stay on a budget every week. Put aside money for basic needs like groceries and tube money, and then have a bit of extra money for fun.

Tip #3: Take advantage of NYU trips and activities. NYU offers SO MANY great daytrips and activities for FREE! Take advantage of them, and you get have amazing experiences without the cost! (Like the London eye, west end shows, tours of famous places in London etc)

Tip #4: RESEARCH before buying flights for travel. I cannot express to you how important this is. Being lazy and booking the first flight will not pay off. Use skyscanner.com and hostelworld.com to find the best deals, and you’ll save money in the end to spend on souvenirs!

Tip #5: Eat Ramen. A lot of Ramen.

Hope these tips help! I’m trying to remind myself to use them J