Brittany’s Guide to Same-Day Theatre in London
Written by Advisor Brittany - 29/06/2021
I planned many of my trips to the theatre in advance. That being said, most of the time I was just looking for something to do when I had a free day from assignments or classes. When I think back to my time in London, some of my favourite memories involve going to same-day theatre.
If you love going to the theatre as much as I do, here are some of my tips for scoring tickets to some of the hottest shows in London!|
BE FLEXIBLE
One of my favourite same-day theatre trips was seeing Matthew Perry in The End of Longing. We ended up sitting third row from the stage!
If you are flexible with days of the week, show times, or where you sit, you are already a great candidate for same-day theatre experiences.
When theatres do not sell all of the tickets for a day’s showing, often these seats will go on sale for a discounted price in an attempt to fill up the audience. If you find that you have a free afternoon, choose a show you would like to see and ask the theatre box office what tickets are available for that afternoon or evening. Often these tickets are cheaper than buying in advance, even for seats close to the stage!
Okay without a seat? Even better!
Some theatres have “standing only” tickets that you can purchase for a great discount! If you do not mind standing at the back of a theatre, you can see some incredible shows without spending too much!
I was lucky enough to see a revival of Harold Pinter’s No Man's Land starring Sir Ian Mckellen, and Sir Patrick Stewart for £10 – around $16 CAD! I wasn't sure what to expect with a “standing only” ticket. Honestly, the show was too good to notice if my legs were getting tired. As an English student, it was incredible to be able to witness such theatre legends in action. Note: Ticket prices will vary depending on the show, theatre, time of day and availability. You can also ask about ticket discounts for students! Just be sure to have your student ID on hand.
RESEARCH THE SHOWS YOU WANT TO SEE
I had an ongoing list of shows I was itching to see. Some of these choices were based on reviews I had read, the crowds I could see around the theatres while walking around London, or simply because of the cast involved. It is important to have some idea of the shows you would like to see because it will make it that much easier to pop-in to one of the theatre box offices and ask about ticket availability.
For example, if you find yourself in the West End on a spare afternoon, it is extremely easy to walk past a theatre (or six). You may be reminded of that show whose posters you passed in the tube several times a day. Having multiple shows in mind will also make it easier to theatre-hop if your first choice does not have same-day tickets available, or perhaps do have tickets available, but are not in your desired price range.
Not sure where to start your research? Go to West End LIVE!
West End LIVE is an exciting weekend in London where some of the city’s most popular theatre casts give short performances and information about their shows. This Trafalgar Square event gives you the chance to experience some incredible open-air theatrical performances. Each show has cast members perform to give members of the audience a taste of what to expect in their show. Some of the performances might surprise you and give you a list of shows that interest you that you might not have considered before!
The event is completely FREE to attend – all you have to do is wait in line for access to the event (so bring sunblock and an umbrella!) It is the equivalent of free samples at the grocery store, but instead of a snack, you get a taste of musical numbers and outstanding costumes.
Some of the shows that were part of West End LIVE when I attended included:
- Annie
- The Lion King
- Thriller Live
- Stomp
JOIN A TICKET-RAFFLE
A few of the bigger/more popular/newer West End shows have ticket raffles that keen theatre go-ers can enter to score same-day tickets for an otherwise sold-out show. For these raffles, you just enter your name (either at the box-office or close to the box office in a designated area) and are told to come back at a certain “draw time” time to see if you have won.
My mom and I entered one of these raffles when Aladdin the Musical was just starting out in the West End. We ended up winning the chance to purchase front-row tickets! The atmosphere alone of the raffle was exciting to watch, but the chance to see an award-winning musical front-row? Priceless.
Note: These raffles do not typically grant free tickets, they allow for the opportunity to purchase reduced rate tickets for otherwise sold-out shows.
BE PREPARED TO WAIT
Ultimately, same-day shows are meant to be spontaneous excursions and it is important to not get too disappointed if something you want to see is not available, or your plans for the day change.
You can always try again another day! Have fun with it! Your hard work will eventually pay-off and you will have some great theatre memories to go along with it.
Want to enquire about studying in the UK? Sign up with an advisor today!
A Taste of Canadian Cottage Life in the UK (Part II)
Written by Advisor Brittany - 21/04/2021
Updated 18 July 2024 by Advisor Brittany.
Previously, we were looking at different ways for students to get a taste of "Canadian cottage life” while studying in the UK.
Missed part one? Click here!
Getting into the wilderness is a shared love across Canada. When you first arrive in the UK, you might feel a longing to get outdoors and hear nature. I remember wanting nothing more than a good fall hike when I first arrived – not impossible in London, but definitely different. Never fear! There are many ways to get that “relaxing at the cottage” feeling while in the UK, even though they may not be as familiar.
Let’s continue!
What is your favourite way to unwind at the cottage?
WATCHING WILDLIFE
Richmond Park
Richmond Park (located in Richmond upon Thames) was originally created in the early 17th century by Charles I as “a royal hunting preserve”. At the time, Charles was escaping the plague of London. His decision to enclose the park was not originally a popular one among the local residents. Richmond Park remains a deer park to this day and is now a National Nature Reserve where “630 Red and Fallow deer [are still] roaming freely since 1637.”
This park is open to the public, and a great place to walk and take in the wildlife. Be sure to follow all safety precautions. These include always remaining 50 metres away from the deer. Additionally, specific times of year will impact different deer behaviour. For example, when young are particularly vulnerable (between May-July), do not get in between a mother and her babies. For more information, you can visit the Royal Park’s website here.
Note: Feeding the deer is prohibited.
Birdwatching
One of the most unmistakable sounds in the Canadian wilderness is the call of the Common Loon. If you’re someone who enjoys listening to the sounds of different birds while you’re relaxing at the cottage, it’s worth exploring the different birds in the UK. You can even see and hear species that aren’t native to North America.
Did you know: the bird we know as a “Loon” is called a “Northern Diver” across the UK? This bird was eaten in Scotland until the 18th century!
If you’re located in a city centre, it might be tricky to differentiate between the sounds of traffic and birds, but many locations across the UK will have dedicated wetlands or nature preserves (sometimes located in the middle of the city) where you can escape the city and have a taste of the countryside.
Not sure which bird is singing?
Use the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB’s) bird song identifier to help understand the new sounds you’re hearing.
OR the free bird identifying app Merlin Bird ID. This app allows you to download location-specific maps so you can use it in Canada and the UK to expand your bird knowledge. Simply press the record button and the app will identity the birds near you by sound. The best part? The bird will light up on your screen once identified so you can see in real-time what the birds sound like.
Visit https://www.wwt.org.uk/ to find a wetland near you!
CAMPING UNDER THE STARS
ESCAPE THE CITY
If your idea of Canadian cottage life involves camping, you’ll find ample opportunity to do so across the UK! Rolling hills, breathtaking lakes, and open fields will bring a different feel to the experience, but there’s also no telling what history you’ll come across in the process.
Advisor Heather brought camping equipment in order to have an unbelievable experience camping in Wales. Don’t plan to bring camping equipment with you? Consider renting or borrowing from a friend! Several websites in the UK will loan out camping equipment (some will even deliver!) Prices and availability will of course vary depending on your location, but it could be an option for those still wanting to experience camping while in the UK!
Did you know: While Canadians are quite used to camping with a tent, the more popular pastime in the UK is “caravanning” - an activity that has remained popular for over a century
While advisor Mackenzie was studying in London, her sister was working as an au pair in Bath. They went on a camping trip together in Wales (using borrowed camping gear and car from her sister’s host family) and got to experience several moments that were akin to Canadian cottaging! With the UK being an island, you are never far from water. Mackenzie visited the Gower Peninsula and spent an afternoon at Rhossili Bay Beach. Her sister and her camped in various spots, with several being beside the water! Although there was a campfire ban in place at the time, they honoured the Canadian campfire tradition by lighting a few tealights. On said camping trip, Mackenzie also got to see some wildlife in the form of ponies and cows! While this is not your typical Canadian bear sighting, it was much more agreeable.
No matter what type of Canadian cottage life experiences you’re used to, chances are there are activities to bring you right back to that cottage feeling while you’re in the UK.
Whether you’re missing classic desserts by the fire, being on the open water, or even camping under the stars... Just because you’re away from the cottage, doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of those same cottage feelings!
We hope you loved this blog post! Remember to check out PART I if you missed it!
Feel free to contact one of our Advisors to learn more about studying in the UK!
6 Unique Spots to Visit in London
Written by Advisor Mackenzie - 01/08/2023
London is known for many famous tourist attractions. However, the city also has a reputation for unique and quirky spots that can be found off the beaten track! Once you’ve checked Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London off your list, try these 6 unique spots to visit!
1. Postman’s Park
This urban park is located at St Martin's Le-Grand, with access from King Edward Street. To demonstrate, what makes it a unique spot to visit is the tiled wall of plaques dedicated to those who lost their lives in self sacrifice. This Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice was unveiled in 1900 and contains many unique and touching tributes. All in all, the park is a pretty and quiet spot to reflect and stroll within the City of London.
2. Neal’s Yard
This small, hidden alley is full of vibrant colours and cute shops! For this reason, finding your way in is well worth it even though the entrances are easy to miss. Just north of Covent Garden, with access off of Monmouth St or Shorts Gardens, you can find shopping and good eats in this (very instagrammable) plaza.
3. Sky Garden
The Sky Garden might not be so hidden (it’s 34 stories high), but it is a cool and unique spot to visit in London! It is free to access the top of the building and visit the Sky Garden, which is three stories high in itself. While you're up there, have a 360 degree look around London in the gardens and open-air terrace. In essence, the space is a public park with a serious view. Just remember to book yourself in online first!
4. Cahoots
If you’ve ever dreamed of going to a secret underground bar in the 1940s during prohibition where you need a password to enter, look no further than Cahoots! This spot is built to look like it occupies an abandoned underground station, complete with a tube carriage and ‘to the train’ signs. Consequently, dressing up in your most dapper 1940s style is highly encouraged. Pssssst! Here’s a tip: it’s located in Kingly Court!
5. Sir John Soane Museum
The John Soane Museum is possibly the most unique and quirky museum in London. Not only is it free, but it's also highly worth a gander. Sir John Soane was an architect and collector. Thus, the museum collections are extensive and definitely quirky. For example, there is an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus covered in hieroglyphs. Soane's pieces were all left in his home, nearly untouched, after he died.
6. Camden’s Stables Market
Camden is known for being edgy and alternative. Additionally, it boasts many markets, including the Stables Market (or the Horse Tunnel Market), which is housed in a former horse stables and horse hospital. One entrance leads you underground past a relief of frenzied horses. What could be more unique?
If any of these quirky spots have caught your interest, feel free to contact one of our Advisors to learn more about studying in the UK!
A Year in the Life
Written by Ambassador Kaley - 25/08/2020
Updated by Advisor Heather 16/7/2025
This time last year I was weeks away from moving to England for a yearlong master’s programme. One year later, I am weeks away from my completing my master’s. Despite everything that happened this year, my thoughts on living/ studying in the UK remain that it is an incredible experience and absolutely worth it for anyone that has a desire to study here.
September 2019: Arrival
After months of applications and planning I finally arrived in Newcastle. I decided to come about 10 days early with family to travel and settle in before starting school. I think this is a great idea to anyone who is able do this, as it really helps to ease into life in the UK. The first month here consisted of travel, setting up my bank account, getting a UK phone number, registering with a GP, and attending international student events.
October 2019- January 2020: First semester
The first semester of my master’s consisted of required modules. This gave me the opportunity to learn about the foundations of clinical psychology, cultural and professional issues that may arise in my future career, and about developing interventions to encourage healthy behaviour change. First semester was also spent getting used to university in the UK, especially with how assignments are graded. Despite being busy with school I still found time to visit London, attend the Edinburgh Christmas Market, and with a month off school for Christmas I was even able to come back to Canada.
February- May 2020: Second semester
Second semester was when dissertation work began and when I could take modules of my choosing. My course had a large class size so getting a supervisor was rather competitive, however this is by no means the case for all programmes. I also learned a lot more directly relevant information such as therapy, developmental disorders, and even had an apprenticeship where I worked in a research team. Second semester also has a month-long break. However, one week before this break the UK entered lockdown and the rest of my year in England completely changed.
Travel plans got cancelled, dissertations were put on hold (due to needing in-person participation), lectures moved to online, and almost everyone moved home. To be completely honest this was all very disappointing. With many plans being cancelled and only having one year here it felt like my time here had come to a premature end. However, I quickly adjusted to life in lockdown and, looking back, surprisingly feel as though I didn’t miss out on much. I was lucky that lockdown occurred right before the break so I only had two weeks of online lectures, and I was also extremely lucky to have had a dissertation with data already collected so I was able to keep my project (unfortunately many students had to come up with completely new projects). While second semester took a surprising turn, studying continued and my final semester quickly approached.
May- August 2020: Final semester
The summer semester has no lectures and is completely dedicated to writing your dissertation. Thanks to lockdown and not being able to collect additional data I was able to dedicate most of my time to writing my dissertation, and everyone was given an extension on our projects. While this was definitely not an ideal situation, everything has turned out completely fine! I am now two weeks away from submitting my dissertation, the UK is opening back up, and life is progressively going back to ‘normal’.
August 2020: The year coming to an end
With only two weeks left of school I have been thinking about how fast this time has gone and what a crazy year this ended up being. Despite 2020 taking an unexpected turn, I am still finishing the year with a master’s that prepared me to get a job in my desired field and is the perfect next step to eventually completing a doctorate. Even after everything that has happened, moving to the UK was still an amazing experience and absolutely worth it; so much so that I have decided to take my adventures to Scotland to spend another year in the UK
I completely recommend studying in the UK, even after everything that ended up happening this year. If you are interested in being a student in the UK, you can find out more by contacting an Across the Pond advisor (trust me, it’s absolutely worth it!).
A Guide to the Best Ice Cream in the UK
Written by Advisor Lauren - 01/08/2023
The love that the British have for ice cream may come as a shock to you. Those outside of the UK rarely think of it as a beacon of summer weather and heat. But that's just one more part of life in the UK that you'll have the opportunity to discover and embrace while studying here. Truly, when those summer heat waves hit in the UK, there is nothing that helps to beat the heat than a creamy frozen desert.
Ice cream is arguably one of the best desserts there is. There’s so many flavours, it’s refreshing on a hot summer day, and it’s something many of us carry on loving from childhood. One of the first things I did upon moving to Edinburgh was find a good ice cream shop, and then I kept finding them in every city I visited! Below, I’ve provided a guide to the best Ice Cream in the UK that I’ve found (as well as some my friends have found), so you don’t need to! Don't worry they aren't all in Scotland. So no matter where you end up studying in the UK, you'll definitely be able to find a tasty treat!
Mary’s Milk Bar
This is my all-time favourite. Mary’s is a small ice cream shop in Grassmarket, Edinburgh, that has the best ice cream, gelato and sorbet that I’ve ever had in my life. All of the ice cream is hand-made by Mary, and every day she has her three standard flavours (Milk, Salted Caramel, and Dark Chocolate), and then a whole bunch of flavours that rotate throughout the day. My personal favourites are the Goats Cheese and Peach, and anything with Rhubarb (just trust me, okay?). Also, the view while you’re eating is AMAZING.
Mary's Milk Bar
Loop and Scoop
Based in Glasgow, my friends and I would make special trips to the city just for this ice cream. They have the standard flavours that you can expect, but what makes them really special is their churros. You can get a churro cone, churro bites, or their special, the Loop and Scoop, which is a bowl with two types of ice cream and a churro looped over it. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a sugar coma.
Loop & Scoop
Prime Gelato
I visited here with a few friends while on a trip to London, and it was amazing. Serving authentic Italian gelato, this tiny shop has a laid back atmosphere, tons of gelato, and a points card for those that are really passionate about free ice cream!
Prime Gelato London
Ginger’s Comfort Emporium
In June some friends and I visited Manchester, and we found Ginger’s Comfort Emporium! Amazing ice cream, served in a glass, the shop has an old school diner look. The coolest part? It’s on the third floor of an arcade, hidden away to the side, and has a wonder view and tons of shopping to do as you try to find it!
Venchi
Located in Covent Garden, London, this ice cream shop is the #1 recommendation from my friend (who also generously provided photos of all of the ice cream she’s eaten this year). She visited this shop twice during her two week stay (which says a lot, when there are so many ice cream places in London!). Served with a chocolate, doesn’t it just make you want ice cream right this minute?
Venchi
Moo Pie Gelato
Located in Edinburgh, this gelato has some amazing options. Most commonly found at the Pitt Market in Leith (which you should definitely check out‑ it’s a street food market with live music), Moo Pie has rotating flavours that you can have a ton of different ways. Check out the s’mores milkshake below, and also look into their hot chocolate!
MOO PIE Gelato
George & Davis
In Oxford, this recommendation comes to us from Advisor Heather! They have a treat called a “Mad Cow”, that she says you absolutely have to get. I haven’t been to Oxford, but I know where I’m going as soon as I get a chance! They’re known for steaming their ice cream to create a latte, and that sounds like something I need to try.
G&D Cafe
Yolkin Ice Cream
Based in London, our other advisor Brittany recommends Yolkin Ice Cream! This shop specializes in macaron ice cream sandwiches, which sounds like something we all need in our lives, don’t you agree? Located on Rupert Street, don’t miss a chance to try these out!
The other bonus of most of these places? They have sorbet options, for those that are lactose intolerant! I’ve tried the sorbets at the ones I’ve visited, and they’re just as amazing as the ice cream. Definitely check out any of these spots if you’re in the area!
PS. I may or may not have written this blog post while eating dark chocolate ice cream from Mary’s Milk Bar. Did I mention they have it to go?
Sold on the promise of ice cream galore? Learn all about your options for studying in the UK by contacting one of our Advisors!
