Great places to explore around Middlesex University

When I landed in the UK, I had no travel plans or bucket list places to see. My decision to move happened so fast that I barely had time to think about where I’d go once I arrived. I figured I would just wing it. Plus, I am not the kind of person who enjoys solo travel I believe exploring new places is way more fun with people who share the same vibe. Luckily, within a few weeks, I had my own little group, and we were off on our first adventures.

Groceries and food

Naturally, the first thing we did was explore the essentials: our university campus, the nearest supermarkets, and local food joints. Grocery shopping quickly became an important mission, and we discovered that Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, ASDA, Aldi, and Co-op were the go-to stores for just about everything. As for eating on the fly, we found the usual fast-food chains KFC, Domino’s, Starbucks, and Taco Bell. No fancy five-star dining for us, just pure comfort food to get through the first few weeks.

London landmarks

Next up, the mandatory tourist spots - Big Ben and the London Eye. Let’s be honest, if you don’t take a picture in front of Big Ben, did you even move to the UK? I spent way too much time posing, trying to get the perfect shot while dodging crowds of other tourists. Of course, couldn’t resist the classic red telephone booth photos either.

Journey through time at the British Museum

Then there was The British Museum, a place I thought I’d breeze through in an hour. Big mistake. It turns out, this place is massive, and if you have even a slight interest in history, you’ll lose track of time. From Egyptian mummies to ancient Greek sculptures, it was like stepping into a time machine. And the best part? It is completely free just book your ticket online to avoid standing in a long queue. 

Discover flavours in Chinatown

One of the other exciting places was Chinatown. The energy here is on another level, with lanterns lighting up the streets and a mix of incredible restaurants serving authentic Asian cuisine. If you love food (who doesn’t?), this place is a dream. Food here was delicious and affordable. If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll hear people raving about Shoju, a popular alcoholic drink that many recommend trying at least once.

Little Venice

Now, while most people rush to see the big sights in central London, one hidden gem that completely took me by surprise was Little Venice. It’s a peaceful, picturesque canal-side area with charming floating buildings and a super relaxing atmosphere. The best part? It’s only 30 minutes from the university but feels like a completely different world. Perfect for a break from the city buzz.

Future adventures and recommendations

Of course, there are tons of other places worth visiting. Camden Town has cool street markets and vibrant street art, Borough Market is a food lover’s paradise, and Bang Bang Food Court serves some of the best Asian food you’ll find in North London. If you’re looking for incredible city views on a student budget, skip Sky Garden and try the Terrace outside the Phoenix Bar & Kitchen at Alexandra Palace. They have cheaper drinks and pizza. And for Harry Potter fans the Harry Potter Studio Tour is just an hour from campus!

Looking back, those first few weeks of exploring were pure magic. There’s something special about experiencing a new country for the first time everything feels exciting, every little discovery feels like an adventure, and every memory you make sticks with you forever. No matter how many places I visit in the future, those first few experiences will always have a special place in my journey.

About the author

Divya Valenteena is a Cognitive & Clinical Neuroscience MSc student.