Summer in London with a UAL Short Course: Students Share Their Experiences
- Written byMimi Jones
- Published date 22 May 2025
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Summer School at UAL Short Courses is all about creative exploration — in and out of the classroom. While your short course gives you hands-on teaching and inspiring studio or classroom time, so much of the experience comes from everything around it: the buzzing cafés, canal walks, fashion bookshops, food trucks, and iconic galleries that surround the UAL college campuses.
We asked last year's Summer School students to share their favourite spots and tips for making the most of summer in one of the world’s most creative cities.
Stephanie
Course: The Photography Short Course
The Central Saint Martins campus itself is a dream. The building buzzes with student work and creative momentum, which made even the in-between moments feel inspiring. The campus cafeteria was a surprisingly great spot — lots of veggie-friendly options and perfect for a quick, healthy lunch.
Step outside and you've got Coal Drops Yard, an area packed with indie shops, concept stores, cafés, and riverside spaces. I spent countless breaks sitting by the fountains in Granary Square, people-watching or reviewing my photos.
Top places:
- News & Coffee truck – My daily stop for a cappuccino outside Central Saint Martins
- Kimchee Restaurant & Bar – Great spot for spicy Korean dishes near campus
- Lightroom – an immersive digital art space just minutes away — the visuals were jaw-dropping and definitely influenced my work.
Yukino
Course: Fashion Film
“My summer at London College of Fashion was all about learning, exploring, and finding inspiration everywhere.”
After-Class Adventures
After class, I’d head straight to explore places like Brick Lane to shoot street style or browse vintage shops. The style around East London is very inspiring and you can try some of the best bagels in the world!
Where I Stayed & Morning Rituals
I stayed at Sketch House, and started every morning with a peaceful coffee at Frame Finsbury — a cosy place just around the corner.
Lunchtime Favourites
- LCF Café – For socialising with class mates and grabbing a coffee between class
- Busaba (Westfield Stratford) – Delicious Thai food
- itsu – A little taste of home
- Food trucks outside LCF – Always something fun to try
My London Go-To’s
- Notting Hill – Dreamy houses, everything is photo worthy
- Magma Bookstore – Great place for fashion magazines
Sebastian
Course: Creative Direction
“The vibe around Central Saint Martins is amazing — spacious, full of energy, and always something to inspire you.”
My Favourite Routine
Every day, I’d walk the canal from King’s Cross to Camden. It felt like such a London thing — I loved seeing people go about their daily lives.
My Food & Coffee Obsessions
- Dishoom – There is always a queue but it's worth it
- Redemption Roasters – Amazing coffee and friendly people to start your day
- Matchado – For the matcha lovers!
My Summer Hacks
- Take the bus, not the tube — it might be slower, but it's a great way to see the city
- Head to Richmond or Hammersmith Bridge for sunsets that feel like a dream
- Museums like the V&A, Museum of Transology, Queer Britain, and Lightroom were my creative fuel
Top Tip
Just go for it. I took two short courses back-to-back and made memories and met people that I will always remember fondly.
Magie
Course: Illustration
“Chelsea College of Arts felt like the perfect balance of calm, creativity, and culture — right by the river but never too far from the buzz of the city.”
Where I Drew Inspiration
I’d grab lunch on the steps of Tate Britain, sketchbook in hand. It became a daily habit. The Chelsea Library was a peaceful place to explore ideas or escape the noise.
Hidden Gems I Loved
- Tate Britain – A neighbour worth visiting every day
- Millbank Pier – My peaceful riverside moment
- Tachbrook Street Market – Local food market for fresh produce and a tasty lunch
- Gastronhome – A French gem I almost didn’t share
Creative Tip
Bring a sketchbook everywhere. London is full of fleeting moments you’ll want to remember.
Anaika
“I came to study Fashion Business and left with loads of knowledge — plus a fresh perspective inspired by London’s vibrant creative scene.”
My Favourite Finds
- King’s Cross Food Market – So many choices for lunch, with flavours from all over the world.
- Regent’s Canal – A perfect spot for a slow, peaceful walk and a moment to reset.
- Coal Drops Yard – Full of stylish shops for a browse after class.
Library Life
We spent afternoons in the CSM Library, flipping through photo books and design journals. Just being in that space sparked my creativity and made me want to create more.
Top Tip
Get to know your classmates — everyone brings something unique, and you’ll learn as much from them as you do from the course. Also, take time to explore the campus in your free moments; it’s full of creative energy that really inspires.
Ready to start your own creative journey this summer?