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London Life

London is a capital heaving with multiculturalism. All year round London celebrates cultures from around the world in a multitude of events, carnivals and festivals, many of which are free. And of course, the city is home to the 2012 Olympic Games.

Piccadilly CircusThe capital’s stunning architecture reflects London’s long history as a safe haven and land of opportunity for asylum seekers and immigrants alike, from the squat beauty of Spitalfield’s Hugenot houses to the soaring heights of Pelli’s Canary Wharf Tower in the modern financial district of East London.

This legacy of diversity informs every area of London life; the vibrant markets and eclectic designer boutiques: the proliferation of prestigious galleries and museums, all completely free and open late; the range and scope of film showings and theatre performance; the music of every genre playing every night, all night, in concert halls, bars and clubs across the capital.

London’s population of 7.5 million makes it the biggest city in Western Europe. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it in London.

In addition, almost 83,000 Higher Education students in London are from outside the UK. This represents 1 in 5 of the total student population, which results in a diverse and vibrant student community.

Camden Canal

“You can always find something to do for little to nothing, if you are smart about it.”

Brianna Johnson, BVetMed Year 4, USA

Camden (RVC London Campus)

Camden is situated just to the North of the West End and Central London, and is a bustling, vibrant and intriguing area of London. Just as New York has Greenwich Village and Paris has the Left Bank, Camden is London’s bohemian place to be.

Camden TownOpen seven days a week, the legendary Camden Market stretches over the canal, under the railway tracks and into an old Horse Hospital. With the vast array of wares ranging from vintage clothes, designer jewellery and antique furniture to psychodelic wares, pipes and cheap asian grub, you can get happily lost in Camden’s markets for hours.

The Electric Ballroom, WKD's, The Underground, Koko, The Laurel Tree and HQs are all known for hosting happening club nights with music ranging from punk-rock to hardcore drum n bass. The strong student contingent in Camden means there are many student nights throughout the week.

Camden also has no shortage of cool pubs, from the uber-trendy fashionista hang-outs like the Hawley Arms, which is also a music venue and a regular haunt of the likes of Kate Moss and Pete Doherty, to down-to-earth, friendly, family joints such as The Constitution, the RVC’s ‘unofficial’ pub in Camden.

The beautiful Regent’s park, home to London Zoo, is situated on Camden’s doorstep. Next door is the picturesque and fashionable Primrose Hill, which enjoys one of the most spectacular views in the whole of London. A short walk along the canal brings you to Notting Hill, famous for its summer carnival and Portobello Road Market.

Camden also enjoys good transport links, with a tube and overground rail station, alongside buses which run throughout the day and night.

“I like the public transport here, it is fantastic.I never have to get stuck in traffic as there are so many buses and tubes. I like all the free museums as well. Unlike American Vet Schools you actually have free time and you are in an area where you can take advantage of loads of free stuff.”

Gail Henry, BVetMed Graduate 2010, USA

One of Camden's stores London Zoo - a 10-min walk from the RVC's Camden Campus

Useful Links

For more information on life in London, and Camden in particular, please refer to the websites below.

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