Live, Laugh, Love and Learn in London
Being a student in London means you’re constantly learning. Inside the classroom, at events, through conversations, your brain is acquiring knowledge by simply experiencing the city. But one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) ways to grow is still the simplest: reading books.
Just by living in London, you’ll face challenges you’ve never encountered before. From stepping into leadership roles at university, navigating life in a new country, or figuring out your future career. The good news? You’re not the first.
For thousands of years, people have been documenting their ideas, failures, lessons, and breakthroughs in books. That means the answers, or at least a starting point, are often already out there waiting for you.
Reading in a City That Never Stops
Life in London moves fast. Between lectures, part-time jobs, social plans, and exploring the city, it can feel like there’s no time to slow down. But reading doesn’t have to be a separate activity. It can fit into your day naturally.
On the Tube. Between classes. Enjoying a break in the sun in Regent’s Park. Whilst cleaning, cooking, or any other chores with an audiobook. Before bed instead of scrolling.
These small pockets of time add up, and they can quietly shape how you think, communicate, and see the world.
More Than Knowledge: Reading Builds Perspective
Reading isn’t just about becoming more informed; it’s about becoming more empathetic and self-aware.
Studies in psychology have shown that when we read, especially fiction, we actively imagine scenes and perspectives that aren’t our own. This strengthens empathy, an essential skill for leading others, working in a group project, or building friendships across cultures.
In a global city like London, that kind of understanding matters.
Reading as a Shortcut (in the Best Way)
Think of reading as a shortcut. Not in a lazy sense, but in a smart one.
Instead of learning everything through trial and error, books let you absorb years of experience, perspective, and knowledge in just a few hours. They won’t replace real-life experience, but they will prepare you for it. And in a city full of opportunity, that preparation can make all the difference.
Even figures like Malcolm X credited books as a turning point in their lives. When asked about his education, he famously answered: “Books.”
10 Book Recommendations for International Students in London
Your reading list doesn’t have to stop at your course syllabus. These books explore identity, ambition, culture, and personal growth. Perfect for navigating life in a global city:
-
Babel – R. F. Kuang
Set in an alternative Oxford, Babel explores language, colonialism, and the power of translation. It’s especially resonant for international students who are diving into what it means to belong, adapt, and challenge systems from within.
-
Atomic Habits – James Clear
A practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones. This is ideal when you’re adjusting to a new routine, balancing studies, and making the most of your time in London.
-
Normal People – Sally Rooney
A modern story about relationships, communication, and personal growth during university years. Relatable, emotional, and thought-provoking.
-
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
A classic about following your path and embracing uncertainty. Something every student moving to a new city can connect with.
-
Girl, Woman, Other – Bernardine Evaristo
Set in the UK, this Booker Prize-winning novel explores identity, race, gender, and interconnected lives. It offers a powerful lens into contemporary British society.
-
The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle
Perfect for managing stress, anxiety, and overthinking; especially during exams or big life transitions.
-
Open Water – Caleb Azumah Nelson
Set in London, this beautifully written novel explores love, art, and vulnerability through the eyes of a young Black British man. This book is deeply connected to the city’s creative scene.
-
Lean In – Sheryl Sandberg
A motivating read on leadership, confidence, and navigating professional spaces. A great read for students thinking ahead to their careers.
-
The Road – Cormac McCarthy
A powerful, emotional story about resilience, relationships, and what truly matters. A story that stays with you long after you finish it.
-
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race – Reni Eddo-Lodge
A vital read for understanding race and identity in Britain today. This book is especially important for students engaging with diverse communities in London.
How to Use This List
Don’t feel like you need to read all ten. Start with one that speaks to where you are right now. Are you dealing with culture shock or adjusting to a new environment? Maybe you need some work on building life skills. Or simply, you want to find a story you can get lost in to escape from the hectic London life.
And if you’re not sure where to begin, ask people:
“What’s a book that changed your life?”
In a place like ISH, where you’re surrounded by people from all over the world, this question becomes even more powerful. You’re not just getting recommendations, you’re getting insight into different cultures, values, and ways of thinking.
Where to Find Your Next Read
If you’re looking to get into reading (or back into it), London has some incredible bookshops worth exploring. Here are some fan favourites:
Daunt Books
Beautiful, calm, and perfect for travel and international literature. Perfect for ISH residents living so close to the iconic Marylebone bookshop.
Foyles
One of the largest bookshops in the UK, with multiple floors covering everything from academic texts to fiction.
Waterstones Piccadilly
Europe’s largest bookshop is great for spending an afternoon browsing and discovering something unexpected. Check out the 5th floor café and restaurant for London skyline views.
Brick Lane Bookshop
Independent, diverse, and focused on contemporary voices and underrepresented authors. Whilst you’re in the area, explore Brick Lane, known for its vibrant street art, vintage clothing shops, bustling Sunday markets, and diverse food options.
Gay’s the Word
UK’s oldest LGBT+ bookshop selling queer fiction and non-fiction. Community-centred, they host a range of book events from launches and readings to panel discussions and signings.
Word On Water
A quirky bookshop on a 1920s Dutch barge, moored at Granary Square on Regent’s Canal behind King’s Cross.
British Library and Wellcome Collection
Not your average bookshops, but essential stops for book lovers. Their reading rooms and libraries are perfect for studying, research, and inspiration. Don’t forget to pop into their gift shops to explore their curated book collections.
Reading in London is Essential
In a city that offers so much, it’s easy to focus only on what’s happening around you. But sometimes, the most powerful growth happens when you pause, open a book, and step into someone else’s world for a while.
Because what you read doesn’t just inform you. It shapes you.
Have you also read these articles?