The best things to do this season as a student

Spring has arrived in London, and the city is doing what it does best - bursting back into life. With longer days and nicer weather, this is one of the best seasons to get out and explore. Here's where to start:

Nature walks 🚶🏻‍♀️‍➡️

Now the sun's actually sticking around, there's no better time to get out and explore London on foot. Whether you're after a peaceful escape or just want to make the most of the city between lectures, the Royal Parks have mapped out some brilliant walks - from wild woodland in Richmond to iconic skyline views from Primrose Hill.

👉 Check out the best nature walks in London

Visit Kew Gardens 🌸

If you haven't been to Kew Gardens yet, this is your sign. Until 6 April, Sounds of Blossom fills the gardens with specially commissioned music inspired by the spring blooms. But even after the festival wraps up, Kew is always worth the trip out to Zone 3, with stunning seasonal displays, glasshouses and green space year-round. With a valid student ID, tickets start from as little as £9.

👉 Find out more about Kew Gardens

Art & Exhibitions 🖼️

If the weather turns and the rain falls, London's galleries have you covered - and most of them won't cost you a penny. 

Tate Modern has a strong spring programme, including an exhibition on Nigerian Modernism. The V&A opens a major retrospective on the surrealist designs of Elsa Schiaparelli on 28 March and The National Gallery has a free exhibition of works by George Stubbs running until 31 May.

Students' Union Spring Events 🌼

🌸✨ Spring Walk & Doodle ✨🌸

Celebrate the season with a springtime stroll from Chelsea to Buckingham Palace and connect with fellow UAL students along the way. 

📅 Friday, 17 April | 11:00 - 3:00 PM

📍 Meet at Chelsea College of Arts

🎟️ Free event — open to all UAL students (booking required)

Arts SU has just launched 15 new student groups for Term 2, and there's genuinely something for everyone. Membership for almost all of Arts SU's 100+ student groups is subsidised, so it's well worth having a browse and finding your people. 

👉 Check out Arts SU's newest student groups

Photograph Credit: Postgraduate students at a Post-Grad Community visit to Kew Gardens, 2024, UAL | Photograph: Abi Rigby