The best local places to visit

London is not only a bustling metropolis of culture and opportunity but also home to a diverse array of churches offering spiritual nourishment and community for international students. Whether you're seeking a vibrant worship experience, a close-knit community, or simply a place to connect with others, there are several churches across London that cater to the needs of students from all walks of life. In this guide, I've compiled insights on several churches in London that I believe cater to international students.

Hillsong Church

Locations and Times:

• Central London: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Rd, London W1T 7AQ - Sundays at 10.15AM & 12.15PM
• North London: The Hippodrome, N End Rd, London NW11 7RP - Sundays at 10AM & 12.30PM
• Southeast London: Odeon Cinema Surrey Quays, Surrey Quays Leisure Park, Redriff Rd SE16 7LL - Sundays at 11AM
• Southwest London: Thames Christian School, 12 Grant Rd, London SW11 2FR - Sundays at 11AM

Website: Hillsong UK

Service: Sermon lasts about 30-40 minutes, with the entire service lasting approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

👍 Convenient central location with easy access to public transport. Vibrant worship experience. Have services across London.

👎 Limited community feel due to the large size of the church, but small groups are available for those seeking deeper connections.

Acts Church London

Location and Time:

• London: Waldo Williams Suite, 173 Friends House, NW1 2BJ Euston, London - Sundays at 10.30am

Website: Acts Church UK

Service: Sermon lasts about 40 minutes, with the entire service lasting approximately 2 hours.

👍 Close-knit community with welcoming hosts. Refreshments served after the service. Convenient central location opposite Euston Underground Station. 

Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB)

Locations and Times:

• HTB Onslow Square: 44 Onslow Square, South Kensington, London SW7 3NX - Sundays at 10.30am, 4.30pm & 6.30pm
• HTB Brompton Road: Brompton Rd, London SW7 1JA - Sundays at 9.30am, 11.30am, & 5pm
• HTB St Luke’s Earl’s Court: Redcliffe Gardens, London SW10 9HF - Sundays at 11am
• HTB Queen’s Gate: 117 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LW - Sundays at 10.30am
• HTB Courtfield Gardens: 24 Collingham Rd, London SW5 0LX - Sundays at 10.30am
• HTB Dalgarno Way: St Francis Church, Dalgarno Wy., London W10 5EL - Sundays at 11am

Website: Holy Trinity Brompton

Service: Sermon lasts about 25 minutes, with the entire service lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

👍 Multiple time slots on Sundays, making it convenient for students. Student-specific service available at HTB Onslow Square at 4.30pm. Refreshments offered before or after the service.

👎  Limited geographical spread, primarily located in Southwest London.

There are also a couple of other churches that my international friends attend, although I haven't personally visited them:

• Kingdomcity London: The Fulham Boys School 532 Fulham Rd, SW6 5BD - Sundays at 10am
• St Helen's Church Bishopsgate: Great St Helen's, London EC3A 6AT - Sundays at 10am, 10.30am, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm
• All Souls Langham Place: All Souls Langham Place, 2 All Souls Place, London, W1B 3DA - Sundays at 9.30am, 11.30am & 5.30pm

I would also recommend reaching out to the LSE Christian Union Society. They can provide you with information about other churches in London or even connect you with someone who can accompany you to church if you'd like a friend to go with.

Each of these churches offers a unique experience, from vibrant worship to intimate community gatherings. Whether you're looking for a lively atmosphere or a more personal connection, there's a church in London to suit your preferences. Take the time to explore these options and find the one that feels like home to you!