Based in the creative and culturally diverse area of east London, we are located at Queen Mary’s friendly, self-contained Mile End campus – one of the largest in the capital.
Our students get to enjoy the attractions of this vibrant part of London: whether you’re heading to the fashionable bars of Shoreditch, browsing independent designer stalls at Spitalfields Market, relaxing in the tranquillity of Victoria Park or enjoying a curry on the world-famous Brick Lane, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Not only do you get to experience the capital’s rich culture and eclectic social scene, you will also have access to an unparalleled array of academic resources with a wealth of world renowned libraries, museums and research institutes on your doorstep. With a population of 8.6m and more than 100 languages spoken, the people of London represent cultures from every corner of the earth. This is reflected in London’s huge range of festivals, restaurants, religions and community groups.
Watch the video below to hear what our students have to say about the different aspects of university life, including social activities, the advantages of the local area and what they get up to on a typical day.
London doesn’t need to be an expensive city to live in. Living in east London actually means you benefit from avoiding the higher rates that come with central London living costs. At QMUL, you can benefit from our residential campus set beside the beautiful Regent’s Canal, overlooking Mile End Park. With a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of greenery and attractive outdoor space, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a bustling capital city. For information about our student accommodation and other housing options, please contact Housing Services.
Our Mile End campus is home to the Student Village, offering a safe and secure accommodation just five minutes from the City of London and 15 minutes from the West End’s night life and employment opportunities. The campus is surrounded by some of London’s hidden gems: you can easily turn down a residential street and find a hidden garden square, contemporary artwork or an atmospheric Victorian pub serving good food. Living in the East End means that you’ll always find something new to discover.
East London’s eateries boast an array of cuisine from around the globe. The multicultural makeup of the local community means authentic food is the order of the day, with passionate chefs serving up Bangladeshi-spiced curries, skewers of Turkish grilled meats, sticky Chinese Peking duck, and feisty Mexican and fiery Thai delicacies. And nothing is more East End than a menu filled with pie, mash, ‘liquor’ and eels! With places heaving with hearty burgers and plates of pasta, there’s fierce competition for your tastebuds as lunchtime and early evening deals are aplenty. You can dine in east London whatever your budget and get a good meal.
No other London borough offers such a choice of vibrant and contrasting markets as Tower Hamlets. From Brick Lane to Columbia Road, from Roman Road to Whitechapel, bargains and surprises can be found in abundance at these bustling local markets. If you’re a foodie looking for something an extra bit special without breaking the bank, why not try one of London's street food stalls? Additionally, there are plenty of supermarkets around campus including Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Lidl for your weekly shopping.
East London has a rich history and culture, and there are many places to get a flavour of it. From the theatres to the museums, there’s something for everyone when you want to soak in some culture and open your mind. Whatever the weather, you’ll always have something to do.
When it comes to nightlife, east London is where it’s at. From lively pubs to bars and clubs, our incredible collection of music and drinking establishments is unrivalled in the UK. Below are just some examples of where our students like to go out:
Sport was a huge part of life in east London even prior to the 2012 Olympics in Stratford, and the legacy continues to live on in the local area. Whatever sport you’re into, you’ll find players, trainers and clubs able to meet your interests. East London is full of gyms, swimming pools, courts and clubs which let you get involved in all kinds of sports including angling, horse riding, go-karting, white water rafting and ice skating to name a few.