Beautiful London Campuses

We all know that Oxford and Cambridge are not the only universities in England, one does not think much about the ones located right in the city of London. These universities, such as University College (UCL), King's College (KCL), Imperial and the London School of Economics (LSE), are constantly ranked as being top-tier for education. They have outstanding international networks, teaching staff and funding as well as a location that allows their students to live in the heart of the city. These universities also offer a rich history, incredible architecture; as well a free visits to the public. Tourists can experience London university life and see another side to the culture of the city.

Strand Campus

King’s College recently ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide but as a tourist one might be more interested in the beauty of the Strand Campus. Situated close to Temple Station, it is one of five campuses of King’s College (and the one with the best aesthetic appeal). When visiting, stop by Maughan Library, the place said to have been used as Dumbledore’s office in the Harry Potter films.

Although, one does not have to be a fan of the series to be impressed by the seemingly endless book collection the library boasts. Along with Maughan Library, the campus is also known for its proximity to Somerset House which gives it a relaxing change of pace from the crowd of students rushing from class to class. It may not be officially owned by the university the building has a long relationship with the KCL campus and the east wing of the Somerset House is home to Humanities department. The building has a legacy of it’s own as well, in the summer it hosts the Film4 summer screening and in the winter is becomes a place for ice-skating at Yuletide (as featured in Love Actually). It is rumoured that King’s is planning to start renovations for the Strand campus so visit as soon as possible before the scaffolding goes up and takes away some of the views.

UCL, Main Building

Recognised possibly from the front of postcards, this building is regarded as the best of UCL’s architecture. Comprised of the Wilkins Building and the Quadrangle, people enter the courtyard and come face to face with a large building done in classical style and preserved as a site of cultural heritage.

This building also comes in proximity to famous landmarks in London such as Trafalgar Square and the British Museum, making it easy to visit on a busy day of checking off all the main attractions the city has to offer. UCL has just one main central campus making it seem more communal with each area mixing with each other. The Quad encloses a set of paths for students to travel upon with old astronomy observatories sitting on either side. One can feel the history as they walk down the same paths as people such as Christopher Nolan, Mahatma Gandhi, and (more recently) the band Coldplay.

Greenwich Campus (University of Greenwich)

It may not be part of the Russell Group (the 24 leading UK universities), the Greenwich campus and surrounding buildings can stand on their own. Situated in the heart of Greenwich, it is seen as a focal point of the town itself and is said to be the most utilised area in London for filming due to its baroque buildings across from it’s large courtyard. One can see the campus in such films as Thor: The Dark World, Sherlock Holmes, and Now You See Me 2. The architecture works seemingly less into the background of greenery in the area. Designed by Christopher Wren, the same man who designed many famous cathedrals such as St. Pauls, at the end of the 17th century. The campus is home to the Maritime Museum, as well as the Faculty of Architecture, Computing, and Humanities with the layout attempting to complement each of the studies. Architects can admire the work of Wren, computing students the specialist computer laboratories and humanity students the £76 million library in nearby Stockwell Street.

The campuses of London’s universities are not often at the top of a visitor’s wish list but many of them have a wealth of culture and history that will provide a plethora of interest and diversion. For those wishing to walk in the footsteps of alumni from centuries past they provide the perfect opportunity.