The best things to do this May as a student

Spring is in full swing, and London's calendar is bursting. Think botanical gardens at their colourful peak, a free new museum in East London, big exhibition openings, and open-air theatre to kick off the summer season. Here's your May guide 👇

On May 16 from 11am - 7pm, join the FREE Eat Around the World food festival! Described as a “true foodie destination,” the festival will showcase cuisines from across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. There's no need to book - just turn up and enjoy! 

👉 Find out more about Camberwell’s FREE food festival.

May is the best month for spotting tulips, wisteria, and a whole wave of late‑spring colour across the city!

Isabella Plantation is one of the best spots to enjoy London’s spring colours. This botanical garden in Richmond Park is packed with bright azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias, all bursting into bloom in May. 🌺

The paths take you past ponds and streams, and the famous Still Pond - surrounded by pink azaleas - is especially great for photos! 📸

👉 Find out more about Isabella Plantation.

Explore the latest addition to London’s museum scene by heading to V&A East. It's free to enter (although you will have to pay to see the limited-time exhibitions), and boasts two free galleries with over 500 objects from the V&A’s collection. 

While you're there, check out our new LCF East Bank arts shop, conveniently situated right next door to London’s newest cultural destination. 🎨

👉 Plan your visit to V&A East.

James McNeill Whistler at  Tate Britain

📅 May 21 – September 27

If you remember the Mr. Bean film from ’97 - where Mr. Bean disastrously “improves” a famous painting - you’ll appreciate this even more. Tate Britain is hosting Europe’s largest Whistler retrospective in 30 years, giving you a chance to see the real masterpieces up close. Find out more.

Ken Price at Lisson Gallery

📅 May 1 – July 25

Sculptures and drawings from the influential artist who challenged form and “subverted the functionality of traditional ceramics”. Find out more.

Zineb Sedira at Tate Britain

📅 May 13 – January 17 2027 

A special new work for the museum’s Duveen Galleries; the artist’s largest commission in the UK to date. Find out more.

The 2026 season at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre has begun and runs through 19 September.

It's one of London’s coolest summer venues - an outdoor stage surrounded by trees, great vibes, and big productions under the evening sky. It’s a fun, affordable way to see theatre, making it perfect for a night out with friends.

👉 Find out what's on at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

👉 Want to do something closer to home? Check out events happening in UAL halls.