Explore Vauxhall

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

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

Vauxhall Station is your closest major transport hub, giving you access to the Victoria line and National Rail services. Oval and Kennington Underground stations for the Northern Line are also within walking distance. 

With excellent Tube, bus and rail connections, you can get to central London and many of London’s universities quickly.  

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 just a few minutes from 238 Kennington Lane, including stops around Loughborough Street, Durham Street, Harleyford Road and Kennington Road.  

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 if there’s a bus that 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. 

Nearby supermarkets and grocery shops: 

Tesco Superstore – Best for your big shop 

Located across the street on Kennington Lane, this is your closest full-size supermarket and a good option for your weekly grocery shop, with food, toiletries, household essentials and more. Make sure to grab a Club Card to receive the best discounts. 

Sainsbury’s – Best for convenience at Vauxhall station 

A good option for a quick shop and last-minute essentials when you’re at Vauxhall station. Look out for Nectar Prices for discounts on selected products. 

Little Waitrose – Best for quality & premium products 

A more premium grocery shop with a focus on quality food, fresh produce, and speciality products. It’s generally more expensive, so perhaps save it for a treat or those ingredients you can’t find elsewhere. 

Student tip: Do your main shop at Tesco, use Sainsbury’s for top-ups, and keep an eye out for supermarket loyalty schemes to save money. 

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. 

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. 

Services such as Wise and Revolut can also be useful for international students managing money in multiple currencies.

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

Kennington Park Post Office 

410 Kennington Road, London, SE11 4QA – Around a 10-minute walk 

Opening Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9:00am–5:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am–12:30pm
Sunday: Closed  

Services available: 

• Banking: Cash deposits and withdrawals  

• Post & Parcels: Royal Mail and Parcelforce  

• Bill Payments & Top-Ups  

• Foreign Currency  

• Travel Money  

• International Money Transfers  

Some services may operate at specific times, so check with the branch before visiting.  

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: 

Gray’s Inn Medical Group Vauxhall 

8 Jonathan Street, London, SE11 5NH – Around a 5-minute walk 

Hurley and Riverside Practices 

Ebenezer House, Kennington Lane, London, SE11 4HJ – Around a 7-minute walk 

Student tip: You can only register with a GP if you live within their practice area, so check the practice’s catchment area before applying. 

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 

• Tesco Pharmacy – Kennington Lane, less than a 2-minute walk 

• Medimex Pharmacy – 222 Kennington Park Road, around a 10-minute walk 

• Hills Pharmacy / Chemist – 99 Kennington Lane, around a 10-minute walk 

The Tesco Pharmacy is particularly useful because it also offers NHS Pharmacy First, meaning you can get advice and treatment for some common conditions without needing a GP appointment.  

Dentists 

• Kennington Dental Surgery – 234 Kennington Park Rd, around a 10-minute walk 

• Oval Dental Clinic – 330 Kennington Park Road, around a 13-minute walk 

• Mint Dental Centre – 41 Clapham Rd, around a 16-minute walk 

Hospitals / Urgent Care 

• St Thomas’ Hospital – around 15 minutes away by car, 30-minute walk 
• Urgent Care Centre at London Bridge Hospital – around 25 minutes away by the Northern Line 

The Gym Group London Vauxhall 

St George Wharf, 6A Wandsworth Road 

A 24-hour gym, making it useful for students with busy or unpredictable schedules. 

Student tip: Compare membership prices and student offers before signing up. Gyms around London can vary significantly in price. 

Vauxhall Leisure Centre 

50 South Lambeth Road, London, SW8 1DY 

A great all-round option if you’re looking to stay active without committing to a traditional gym. Vauxhall Leisure Centre has a gym, 25m swimming pool, fitness classes, group cycling, sauna and steam room. Fitness classes include yoga, Pilates, circuits, strength and conditioning, and group cycling.  

Student tip: You can use the centre on a pay-as-you-go basis, so you don’t necessarily need to commit to a membership. Current adult gym prices start from £7.50 off-peak for Better Pay As You Go members, while non-member gym access is £15. 

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: 

• St Peter’s Vauxhall – Anglican church, 310 Kennington Lane, around a 4-minute walk. 

• St Anne’s Roman Catholic Church – Catholic church, 363 Kennington Lane, around a 5-minute walk. 

• Apostolic Church, All Nations’ Centre – Tyers Terrace, around a 5-minute walk. 

• Hope Church Vauxhall – Christian church, 105 Tyers Street, around a 6-minute walk. 

• North Brixton Islamic Cultural Centre – Mosque, 182 Brixton Rd, around a 25-minute walk. 

Need to escape the screens for a bit?

Kennington Park 

Just a short walk from ISH, Kennington Park is perfect for: 

• Going for a run  

• Reading outside  

• Having a picnic  

• Playing sport  

• Getting some fresh air  
• Taking a break from studying  

You’ve got some of London’s best attractions on your doorstep. 

Explore the Thames 

The Albert Embankment is around a 10-minute walk from ISH. From there, you can walk along the river towards Westminster, Tate Britain, and Southbank.  

 Vauxhall City Farm – A slightly unexpected London experience and a great place to spend a relaxed afternoon. 

The Oval – Catch international cricket or simply admire one of London’s most historic sporting venues. 

Imperial War Museum – Explore exhibitions covering conflict and its impact on people around the world. 

Tate Britain – Discover British art from historic works to contemporary exhibitions. 

Southbank – Walk along the Thames, visit cultural venues, and enjoy the views. 

Westminster – Cross Vauxhall Bridge and you’ll soon find yourself around Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. 

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

At 238 Kennington Lane, you can grab breakfast or lunch at the Benugo on-site café, join resident events, and meet other students living in the building.  

Your London adventure starts now!