Explore Marylebone

You probably have about a hundred things to figure out as you’re settling into your new home. 

Here’s your guide to the local places and services in your new neighbourhood.

One of the first things you’ll want to know is how to get around. 

Great Portland Street Station is right around the corner, with Warren Street, Regent’s Park and Baker Street also within walking distance. 

London tip: Contactless bank cards and mobile payments can be used across London’s public transport network, so you don’t necessarily need an Oyster card yet. However, don’t miss out on the student discount, so be sure to apply for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard ASAP. 

Get Around by Bus 

Don’t forget about London’s buses! With bus stops throughout the neighbourhood, they’re often a cheaper alternative to the Tube and a great way to see more of London along the way.  

There are several bus stops within easy walking distance of 229 Great Portland Street. Download apps like Citymapper or Google Maps for your bus journey. They tend to stay up to date with any travel disruptions.  

Save money: An adult bus journey currently costs £1.75 when paying with contactless or Oyster. The Hopper fare also gives you unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of your first journey for the same £1.75, as long as you use the same card or device. 

Student tip: Before jumping on the Tube, check whether a bus gets you where you’re going. It can be easier on your budget, and you’ll get to see the city above ground! 

Use the TfL Go app to plan your journey, check live bus times, and find nearby bus stops. 

These are the shops that you will find near the House

• Tesco Express – Best for convenience
  Smaller stores that are great for quick shops, snacks, drinks and last-minute essentials. They usually have a smaller range than a full-size supermarket. A Tesco meal deal will be your best friend. Make sure to grab a Club Card to receive the best discounts. Closest shop, just 2 minutes’ walk across the street. 

• Sainsbury’s – Best all-rounder
  A good option for your regular grocery shop, with a wide range of food, household essentials and own-brand products. Look out for Nectar Prices to save money on selected items. Less than 5 minutes’ walk down Great Portland Street. 

• Lidl – Best for your budget
  A great choice if you’re trying to keep your food bill down. Lidl has a smaller range than the big supermarkets, with lots of own-brand products at lower prices. It regularly ranks among the UK’s cheapest supermarkets. Less than 10 minutes’ walk to Tottenham Court Road. 

• Waitrose – Best for quality & premium products
  A more premium supermarket, known for high-quality food, fresh produce and a wider selection of speciality products. It’s generally more expensive than the other options, so it may be better for a treat or specific ingredients rather than your everyday student shop. Just a 12-minute walk to the Marylebone High Street. 

Student tip: You don’t have to stick to just one supermarket! Try doing your main shop at Lidl, picking up top-ups from Tesco Express, and treating yourself to something from Waitrose when you fancy it. 

If you’re new to the UK, setting up a bank account is one of the first things you’ll want to tick off your list.  

Looking for a student-friendly UK bank? 

Two popular app-based options are Starling Bank and Monzo, both of which are currently Which? Recommended Providers for banking. They allow you to manage your account directly from your phone, with features designed to make budgeting and keeping track of your spending simple. 

International Student Tip: If you’re arriving in the UK from overseas, both can be worth considering as alternatives to traditional high-street banks. You’ll generally need to meet their eligibility requirements and provide the requested identification and UK address information when applying. 

Platforms such as Wise and Revolut can also be useful for international students who need to manage money in multiple currencies, particularly when sending or receiving money internationally. 

Need to send something home, collect a parcel or deal with some paperwork? 

Great Portland Street Post Office 

• 210 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5BQ, around a 3-minute walk  

• Opening Hours: 

• Monday–Friday: 9:00am–5:30pm (closed 12:00–12:30pm) 

• Saturday–Sunday: Closed 

• Services available: 

• Banking: Cash and cheque deposits and cash withdrawals 

• Post & Parcels: Royal Mail, Parcelforce and DPD services 

• Bill Payments & Top-Ups 

• Foreign Currency: different currencies available 

• Travel Money Card 

• International Money Transfers: Western Union 

If you ever need medical assistance, you will need to be registered with a GP. It’s a good idea to register soon after arriving rather than waiting until you’re unwell. Here are nearby NHS GP practices to consider: 

 Fitzrovia Medical Centre 

• 31 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 6EU, around a 6-minute walk 

• 020 7387 5798 

• Monday–Friday: 8:00am–6:30pm  

Cavendish Health Centre 

• Lower Ground Floor, 15 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JD, around a 10-minute walk 

• 020 7487 5244 

• Monday–Friday: 8:00am–6:30pm  

New to the UK? You can register with an NHS GP even if you’re an international student. 

Need medical help when your GP is closed? Call NHS 111 or use NHS 111 online. For a life-threatening emergency, call 999. 

Also nearby:

Pharmacies: 

• Fitzrovia Pharmacy 

• Boots 

• Superdrug 

Dentists 

• Harley Street Dental  

• Fitzroy Dental Practice 

• Pro Dental Clinic

Opticians 

• Eye Clinic London 

• Zacks London Eye Clinic 

• Boots Opticians 

Hospitals / urgent care 

• Urgent Care Centre at The Princess Grace Hospital 

• North West London Critical Care Network 

• A&E University College London Hospital 

Whether you’re a regular gym-goer or just looking to break up your study routine, you’ll find plenty of options nearby. 

Nearby gyms: 

• The Gym Group London Euston Road 

• PureGym London Tottenham Court Road 

• Fitness First Marylebone 

London’s places of worship are not just for those who are religious. They are also a wonderful way to experience the city’s history, architecture and cultural diversity. 

From grand cathedrals and historic churches to mosques, synagogues, temples and gurdwaras, places of worship can tell you a lot about the communities that have shaped London over the centuries. 

Take some time to explore the beautiful architecture and history of places such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey or discover London’s diverse faith communities at places such as East London Mosque, Neasden Temple, and The Central Synagogue. 

Whether you visit to worship, learn, admire the architecture or simply experience another part of London, these spaces are an important part of the city’s cultural identity. 

Local places of worship near ISH: 

• The Central Synagogue – Orthodox Jewish congregation and synagogue, 133-141 Great Portland Street, around 7-minute walk. 

• St Marylebone Parish Church – Anglican church, 17 Marylebone Road, around 10-minute walk. 

• All Souls Langham Place – Church of England, 2 All Souls’ Place, around 12-minute walk. 

• All Saints Margaret Street – Anglican church, 7 Margaret Street, around 15-minute walk.  

• Fo Guang Shan London Temple – Buddhist temple, 84 Margaret Street, around 15-minute walk. 

• Catholic Church of Saint James – Roman Catholic Church, 22 George Street, around 16-minute walk. 

• London Central Mosque Trust & The Islamic Cultural Centre – Mosque, 146 Park Road, around 26-minute walk through Regent’s Park.

One perk of living at ISH Great Portland Street is being within walking distance of Regent’s Park, one of London’s best green spaces.

Regent’s Park is your local go-to: 

• Smell the roses in Queen Mary’s Gardens. 

• Sit in the tranquil Queen Elizabeth II Garden. 

• Enjoy a game of football, rugby, cricket or any other outdoor sporting activity in London’s largest and most popular outdoor sports facility. 

• See the wildlife at ZSL London Zoo with its iconic aviary. 

• Catch a show at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. 

• Hire a pedalo at the Boating Lake. 

• Bring a picnic up to Primrose Hill and watch the sunset over the most beautiful city in the world (a bit of bias on our end). 

Sometimes your room isn’t the place to get your best work done. 

Explore some of the area’s libraries, cafés, and study-friendly spaces. 

Our picks: 

Best for group study: The British Library has many study areas and with a free Reader Pass you can access their collection and use their Reading Rooms 

Best for studying over coffee and a sweet treat: Warren Street has some of the best cafe and pastry shops. You can’t go wrong with any of them. 

Best for a longer study session: The Wellcome Collection Library, Reading Room, and Cafe. Take a break and browse their many exhibitions. 

Best for reading outside: Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill for the best views of the London skyline. 

And don’t forget that ISH has spaces where you can study too! 

You’ve got some of London’s best-known neighbourhoods on your doorstep: Soho, Fitzrovia, Camden, Marylebone and the West End are all waiting to be explored. 

You don’t always have to go far to find something to do. 

At ISH, you’ve already got opportunities to eat, drink, meet people, study and get involved in events without leaving the building. 

And, of course, The Thirsty Scholar is right downstairs when you’re ready for coffee, food, drinks, or a chance to socialise with your fellow residents. 

Your London adventure starts now!