Celebrating Black History Month, Diwali, and more!

It goes without saying that London is a challenging place to be a student. While we are endlessly grateful to study in one of the world's most exciting and event-packed cities, we find our wallets constantly, and literally, paying the price. Every trendy cup of chocolate covered strawberries from Camden Market adds up, and each cheeky pint leaves our weekly budget draining faster than we expect. 

Save some money by taking advantage of these seven completely free ways to enjoy London in October. Read on for ideas about how to celebrate Black History Month, Diwali, Oktoberfest, and Halloween on a budget! 

Visit London's Royal Parks

Autumn is the perfect season for exploring London's natural green spaces. Richmond Park is home to whimsical herds of deer, as pictured above. Each of London's eight Royal Parks are free to enter. 

As your studies pick up this October, it's a good idea to get away from your laptop screen and reconnect with the natural world as often as you can.

Enjoy Free Performances

Did you know that London's Royal Ballet and Opera host free "Live at Lunch" performances on select Fridays?

On October 10 at 1PM, turn up for a free and unticketed ballet performance at Paul Hamlyn Hall in Covent Garden, just a few minutes away from campus. 

Celebrate Black History Month

London is hosting a breadth of Black History Month events this October. One free option is visiting the Nigeria60 exhibit at the Horniman Museum & Gardens, which celebrates 60 years of independence in Nigeria.

The display showcases art and artifacts from 1960s Nigeria, curated by the Horniman team and artist Alafuro Sikoki-Coleman. 

Celebrate Diwali

London's free Diwali celebration, Diwali on Trafalgar Square takes place on Sunday, the 12th of October from 2-8PM. Diwali is a religious festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. The five-day festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali on Trafalgar Square features dance performances, learning opportunities, yoga, meditation, and much more. 

Celebrate Oktoberfest

While you may not be able to resist dropping a few pounds on a pint or a Bavarian delicacy at this celebration, it is free to enter! 

Albert's Schloss in Soho is hosting Oktoberfest games and live entertainment every day of the week until Sunday, the 12th of October. Stop by and take part in the famous German beer festival. Expect weiner eating competitions, keg tapping, and oompah bands. 

Celebrate Halloween 

There's plenty of ways to get festive in London this Halloween! Start by browsing at Hoxton Street Monster Supplies in Shoreditch. This charming London shop sells all kinds of quirky Halloween-themed merchandise, from candy to candles. 

Next, take a trip through time by exploring London's famous cemeteries. At locations like Nunhead Cemetery, you can admire the graves of famous poets. 

Halls Events 

As always, keep up with events taking place in halls! This Halloween, each hall will host a Halloween party on October 31. Use this as the perfect opportunity to make new friends and reconnect with friendly faces from your hall's orientation events!