Welcome to London — a city where history, culture, and modern chaos coexist beautifully, and where you can travel 2,000 years through time simply by getting on the wrong Tube line.
The Summer School will take place at UCL East, right in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, putting you within easy reach of some of London’s most iconic landmarks and a few gloriously strange ones too.
Here are some highlights to explore during your stay:
🏰 Tower of London
One of the world’s most famous fortresses — home of the Crown Jewels, medieval history, and the ravens that allegedly keep the kingdom from collapsing. (Please do not attempt to take one home.)
🌁 Tower Bridge
Often mistaken for London Bridge (which is… less exciting), Tower Bridge is a Victorian masterpiece. You can walk across the glass floor and see the Thames right under your feet. Perfect for dramatic photos and mild vertigo.
🎡 The London Eye
A giant Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of the city. Go at sunset for maximum “Look, I’m in London!” effect.
🎨 The British Museum & National Gallery
World‑class collections with free entry because London wants to be intellectual and generous at the same time. Expect dinosaurs, mummies, and enough ancient artefacts to trigger an international debate.
🌳 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Right outside UCL East — home of the 2012 Olympics, giant sculptures, gardens, cafes, and the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest sculpture… with a slide. Yes, an actual giant slide. Yes, you can go down it.
🎭 West End Theatres
London’s version of Broadway. Whether you want musicals, dramas, or shows with more sequins than scientifically necessary, there’s something for everyone.
🛍️ Covent Garden & Camden Market
Covent Garden: artisanal shops and street performers.
Camden Market: vintage clothes, food stalls, and the occasional person wearing something you cannot unsee.
🌉 Greenwich & the Prime Meridian
Stand in two hemispheres at once, visit the Cutty Sark, and enjoy sweeping riverside views — all without needing a time‑travel visa.
🚤 River Thames
Hop on a riverboat and enjoy London from the water. It’s the same river used by Romans, Vikings, and millions of confused tourists.
🍻 Pubs. Everywhere.
From historic taverns to quirky modern pubs, London has no shortage of cosy spots to recover from microfluidic brain overload.
More Information
Lonely Planet – London
Visit London – Official Guide
Only Here for the Lectures & Study Sessions? No Time to Explore London? No Problem!
So you’ve come to the Summer School with the purest academic intentions:
📚 attending every lecture,
🧪 mastering every microfluidic nuance,
📝 taking notes with the enthusiasm of a caffeinated librarian…
Which means, of course, you have absolutely no time to explore London —
because nothing says holiday quite like spending all day in a lab, right?
But fear not, dedicated scholar!
Visit London has your back with guides tailored for those who want to see the entire city in the time it takes to run a TFF cycle.
Whether you have 24 hours, 12 hours, or the emotional energy equivalent of half a biscuit, there’s a mini‑London‑experience waiting for you. See here.