Enjoying London on a student budget

Living in London can be expensive, so here are some free activities to do in London in January. 

1. Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival

The Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival runs from 21 January to 5 February, featuring 12 wonderful temporary installations as well as the iconic permanent light artworks. The designed trail takes visitors around all the installations, offering fantastic photo opportunities and some exercise in the cold month of January. However, please remember that this activity can only be enjoyed in the evening, as the light installations are outdoors. 

2. Battersea Power Station Light Festival

Another gorgeous light festival is happening in London in January at Battersea Power Station. Running from the 23 January to 23 February. This interactive art trail exhibits works from both British and international artists, complemented by various live performances (music, dance, etc). The artworks are displayed both indoors and outdoors, open from 8 am to 11 pm. Some light installations also contain interactive features, with some being able to respond to movement, making the artwork more engaging and fascinating.

3. Horizon 22

Horizon 22 is the highest free viewpoint in London, offering breathtaking views of the city and its skyline. Horizon 22 is a great, cheaper alternative to the viewpoint in The Shard, where ticket prices start from £32 per person. Although admission to Horizon 22 is free, you have to reserve your tickets in advance from the website as it is a very popular activity. On the bright side, there is no time limit to your visit so you can stay for as long as you would like.

Link to reserve your tickets: 

4. The Garden at 120

The Garden at 120 is another free viewpoint, however, unlike Horizon 22, it does not require pre-booking. This space features an open rooftop view of the city’s skyline. This is an outdoor viewpoint so it may be quite cold, however, the openness offers a more refreshing experience, especially when paired with the beautiful foliage surrounding the garden. You can get a taste of both nature and urban landscapes here.

For more information about the opening times, please visit this website:

5. Free Guided Tour of The National Gallery

Entry to The National Gallery is free year-round but the 60-minute free guided tour happens every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3-4 pm. These tours are available on a first come first serve basis, so if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity I would recommend getting there early. During the guided tour, you will not only enjoy all the artworks but also gain insights into their history and background in just an hour.

For more information, please visit this website:

Whether you want to take a beautiful walk like looking at dazzling lights, enjoy London's gleaming skyline, or immerse yourself in art and history, these free experiences offer something for all types of interests. Enjoy January in London while sticking to the student budget!

Written by Diti

Resident in Westminster Bridge