It might feel like your schedule is too busy to get out and explore the city you’re studying in but taking regular breaks is just as important as hitting the books. Make the most of this month by checking out our round-up of what's on in London.
Miss seeing London lit up?
Visit the Light Festival at Battersea Power Station to brighten up your winter nights. This free light trail features illuminated artworks and is running until 23 February 2025. Stop by the Arcade Food Hall afterwards for something to eat.
Nearest station: Battersea Power Station.
Get inspired at BFI Future Film Festival
Join the BFI Future Film Festival for a packed programme of events celebrating aspiring filmmakers aged 16 to 25. You can attend screenings and Q&A panels, career talks, presentations and craft sessions from filmmakers at the BFI Southbank from Thursday 20 February 2025.
Tickets for non-members start at £7. Nearest station: Waterloo.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month
February is LGBTQ+ History Month, celebrating the voices from this community and the role they’ve played in shaping history, as well as recognising the ongoing challenges faced. There’s lots going on in London to mark this month, read Student Life Content Creator D.A's round-up of LGBTQ+ History Month events.
Bookshop crawl
A unique way to spend a weekend, try a London Bookshop Crawl. Go with some friends and use the self-guided map to hop from bookshop to bookshop, or join one of the guided tours to meet new people, learn about London through bookshops and access discounts. Taking place across London on Saturday 15 and 16 February 2025.
Getting outside
Each year, Kew’s Orchid Festival brings a riot of colour to the botanic gardens. This February, transport yourself away from the grey skies of London to tropical Peru for a celebration of the country’s biodiversity and, of course, orchids.
Bring a camera and make sure you’ve downloaded the King’s Move+ app to earn points for your steps while you enjoy one of London’s greenspaces.
Orchid Festival tickets are included with entry to Kew but you’ll need to book a time slot in advance. Young person (16- 29) Kew tickets cost £9 online for weekdays and £10 online for weekends.
1 February until 1 March 2025. Nearest station: Kew Gardens.
City Farms
Spending time with animals can be relaxing and beneficial for your mental health. To enjoy nature and wildlife in the heart of the city, check out Spitalfields City Farm or Mudchute City Farm. These city farms are free to visit.
Nearest stations: Whitechapel (10 minute walk) and Mudchute.
Exploring beyond London
Maybe you're thinking of using your reading week to travel outside of London, get prepared and find inspiration for travel destinations by checking out our travel cheat sheet.