A Student Guide to Islington

| January 10, 2013 | 0 Comments

The borough of Islington offers many attractions for students, and its pleasant location and atmosphere make it ideal for student accommodation in London.

From Finsbury Park to the very edge of the famous City of London, Islington is one of London’s best known boroughs.

Regarded as one of the more upmarket areas of the capital, there is plenty for students to see and do in the area on a budget.

Places to visit

The iconic Sadler’s Wells Dance Theatre has been around as far back as the 17th century, and since 1925 has become renowned for hosting a range of productions, often smaller shows seeking to test the water before hitting the West End.

Screen on the Green is another popular theatre with an intriguing history. These days it is primarily a comedy setting, but in 1976 it earned a place in London history as iconic bands The Clash, The Buzzcocks and The Sex Pistols all took the stage on the same night. The O2 Academy is the sister venue of the larger O2 Arena in Greenwich.

Sports fans will no doubt wish to visit the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club. While matches may prove too great a strain on the student budget, a full tour costs £35 if you want to treat yourself. For a cheaper, quieter day out, simply wander around expansive Finsbury Park and enjoy the scenery.

Islington is also a good option to consider for student accommodation in London. The borough is no more than half an hour away from many of the city’s top universities, and access to the heart of the capital is easy for those looking to make the most of their free time. The borough also enjoys convenient airport access to both Heathrow and Gatwick.

Getting to Islington

One of the most vital purchases for any student hoping to get around London is the Oyster card, which provides discounted travel on public transport.

This can be put to good use here, as the Piccadilly and Victoria tube lines run through the heart of the borough, while there are Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City stops to the south of the area. Kings Cross station, one of London’s most prominent transport hubs, is also located on the edge of Islington.

Did you know?

Recognised as a politically left-leaning area, the borough was the scene of one of the country’s most famous meetings.

In 1994, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown met at the now defunct Granita restaurant to argue over who would get to be Prime Minister if the Labour Party won the next election, an event that has since been turned into a film starring Michael Sheen and David Morrissey.

Whether you choose to visit for a day or base yourself there throughout your studies, it’s clear that Islington certainly has much to offer.

Image Credit: Alastair Rae

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