Our recommendations, plus east London tips & tricks

If you're living near campus, you're in a prime spot to make the most of east London life. Whether you're brand new to the area or just haven’t explored much beyond your lectures and laptop, here’s a round-up of the best things to do and local gems that’ll help you live your best student life (without straying too far from campus).

Food spots that hit the spot

• Rinkoff Bakery - Just a short walk away in Whitechapel, this family-run spot is home to the famous crodough (croissant-doughnut hybrid). Perfect for a study break snack.
• Tayyabs - A BYOB (bring your own booze) Punjabi restaurant that's legendary among Londoners. Huge portions, loads of flavour, and great for group dinners.
• The Gallery Café - Located just over in Bethnal Green at St Margaret’s House, this fully vegan café serves affordable brunches, light lunches, freshly made juices and lovely coffees. All in a cosy, plant-filled space that often hosts events!

Craving something quick? You’ve also got Sainsbury’s Local, plus loads of off-licences and corner shops open late for those emergency snacks.

Things to do that won’t break the bank

Living in Mile End means you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to free or cheap ways to unwind:

• Regent’s Canal - Walk, jog, or just sit by the water with a coffee. Follow it west for a longer stroll to Victoria Park or even all the way to Camden if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Victoria Park - A student fave for picnics, kickabouts, or weekend markets. Don’t sleep on the Sunday food market – it’s full of tempting treats.
• Genesis Cinema - An indie cinema on Mile End Road with student discounts and comfy sofas. Great for date nights or post-exam decompression.
• Mile End Climbing Wall - Looking for something active but fun? This place has bouldering routes for all levels and is a good shout if you want to try something new with your flatmates.

Nightlife and socials

You don’t need to trek into central London to have a good night, there are plenty of options a walk away:

• The Morgan Arms - A stylish pub with a cosy vibe and decent food.
• The Bow Bells - Proper East End pub with quiz nights and a jukebox.
• Simmons Bar in Shoreditch - Bit further, but worth it for the happy hour and disco ball décor (we'd recommend hopping on the tube for a couple of minutes).

Uni hacks and everyday essentials

• Library out of seats? Try Idea Store Whitechapel, a surprisingly peaceful public library with decent Wi-Fi.
• Cheapest printing is often at local corner shops. Keep an eye out for ones advertising 10p prints in the window.
• Wanting to go further afield? The closest tube station to campus is Stepney Green (and we'd recommend downloading the Citymapper app for navigating).
• Always ask if student discount is available because why not! Lots of places do incentives for students and are more likely to if they're close to campus.

Be a social butterfly

Seriously, your best source of local knowledge is other students and people living in the area. Whether it’s a flatmate’s favourite takeaway or a third year’s hidden study spot, the best way to really feel at home near Queen Mary is to chat, ask around, and try new things. You can always rely on meeting new people at our events as well.

So go on, get out there and make east London your own. You’re not just here to study, you’re here to live!

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