Local Life
Where you choose to go to university is influenced by more than just what's available in your classrooms and on campus. You want to be a part of a vibrant school community that offers plenty of options for fun, while also being a safe place to live, study and play. London has a big city vibe - with the affordability and tight-knit feel you won't find from our neighbour, Toronto. Our city is home to nearly 400,000 people, including an excess of 50,000 university-aged students. The city is diverse and it's welcoming. Our community members appreciate the significant value our students contribute to our culture and economy, so they will be happy to have you visit them at their establishments - and work in their industries.
Learn what each unique area of London has in store for our future Leaders with Heart.
London is passionate about being green and our city is the perfect place for people who love the outdoors. With more than 4 million trees and countless gorgeous parks and hiking trails, all year-round London offers a vibrant outdoor playground for the adventurous-at-heart.
Whether you want to walk around within the heart of downtown or head to the outskirts of the city, you will never run out of new places to take in the sights, sounds and leaves that make your new home the Forest City.
Planning a picnic or want to take part in a vibrant festival or foodie-event? Visit London’s numerous parks to get your fill of all things nature, culture and city-centric. For example, Victoria Park in downtown London is a major centre of community events, attracting an estimated 1 million visitors per year.
Other major parks include Harris Park, Gibbons Park, Fanshawe Conservation Area (Fanshawe Pioneer Village), Springbank Park, and Westminster Ponds. The city also maintains a number of gardens and conservatories. Walk along the water, discover new paths and take in the wildlife that beautify your new favourite city.
London is home to countless recreational fields where students can play soccer, use basketball and tennis courts, and everything else in between.
Additionally, both Huron and Western's campus include areas to play a wide variety of sports and activities all year-round.
The Beaver Dam
One of our students’ favourite hangouts, the Beaver Dam is a licensed bar where countless events are held throughout the year. There are plenty of booths perfect for books and beverages, and when you need to blow off some steam, grab a pool cue and play a round of billiards.
Huron Commons
Want to collaborate with your classmates or just enjoy great company while you study for an exam? Either book a breakout room or just show up and nestle in beside one of your fellow Leaders with Heart – it’s the perfect place to get moral support during those lengthy exams study sessions.
The Dining Hall/Spoke/UCC
Are you hungry?
You have several delicious food destinations within a very short walking distance. Learn more about our dining hall options or if you’re in the mood for something different, you’re feet away from the heart of main campus where you can find a pub, several fast food joints and the Wave restaurant.
Known to all of our students as home base, Huron’s campus is a place where you can study, relax, eat and socialize. The best part about spending time within our community is you will very quickly get to a point where you can’t walk down the halls without recognizing a friendly face, and these lifelong relationships are going to position you for exceptional personal and professional success.
Downtown London
Welcome to the heart of London, where many students spend their free time. Downtown London is bustling with the more than 40,000 students who attend our universities and colleges.
From amazing gastro pubs to street performances, festivals and bumpin’ bars (for those who are of age!), Richmond Row is THE place to go, and it’s a quick bus ride or cab from your home at Huron.
If you’re looking for something lower key to do in the centre of the city, visit the Coven Garden Market for international foods and flavours, artisanal goods and delicious coffee. Once you’re fuelled up, make the short walk over to the museum, Labatt Park or visit anyone of the numerous one-of-a-kind shops, bakeries and cafes along the scenic streets of downtown.
West London
If you want to go shopping in London, check out Masonville Mall or White Oaks. At these major shopping centres, you’ll find tons of the brands you love and have access to more than hundreds of stores, hair salons and even some recreational spaces specific to young adults.
London also has a ton of great golf courses – from Sunningdale to our public courses, so if you need to step up your game, get on the green.
All throughout West London, you can find delicious restaurants! Some of them may be familiar, but there are lots of hidden gems to discover.
East London
Want to experience one-of-a-kind restaurants, shops and events within an area that celebrates our local stars and creates a colourful stage for some of London’s best-kept secrets? Visit East London in between classes for a perfect cup of coffee or spend your Saturday or Sunday trying on the perfect vintage finds and tasting the exceptional creations of the area’s culinary geniuses.
Affectionately known as “Old East” this region of the city is home to the amazing Western Fair market, artisan bakeries, vegan-friendly restaurants and micro-breweries
From unique event venues to theatrical performances and high-energy activity sports, London’s Old East offers a great alternative to a night out on Richmond Row, London’s Old East is an up-and-coming neighbourhood that caters to all cultures, palettes, fashions and interests.
South London/Wortley Village
Wortley Village is located in the heart of Old South, a thriving, unique, historic London community that has been voted one of Canada’s coolest neighbourhoods.
Easily accessible by public transit, Wortley Village is a great spot to meet friends for coffee or indulge in an exceptional dining experience at one of the area’s unique restaurants.
This region of London is affectionately known for being dog- and people-friendly: with many of its highlights clustered together, you can easily walk from one great destination to the next.
Home to artisans and artists, unique, independently owned shops, services, restaurants and nightlife, Wortley Village is also host to many exciting events that provide year-round entertainment.
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Do you want an education that will challenge you academically while also developing the knowledge and abilities you need to stand out as an exceptional leader?