You don’t have to be in the classroom to be learning and practising your English. Social activities are a great way to hear and speak everyday English. It’s also low pressure as your classmates or colleagues from other classes will be there, as well as a teacher who can help. UCKE offers a wide variety of social programmes (see the list below) and in each setting, you’ll hear, read, and speak different functions of English. I’ll describe this a little now so you can start revising! You could even ask your teacher for a special lesson if lots of people in your class are going to the same place.
Sightseeing
If you’ve not found time to see the sights in London yet, then you should definitely go with fellow students and a teacher. Your teacher will know the best (and cheapest) way to move around the city and can help you with any difficult language you encounter. I’d also recommend that you read up a little about the landmarks before you go, this means you can check any words you don’t recognise and learn about the history and culture too. Here’s a few landmark tips to get you started:
If you’re lucky enough to visit Westminster Palace (or the Houses of Parliament) then think about researching the British system of government. If politics isn’t your thing, then search for Guy Fawkes and learn about the Gunpowder Plot, which is still celebrated today in towns and cities across the country.
The Tower of London is on most tourists’ list and you’ll get much more of your visit if you find out a bit about the history of the tower at home. Who was imprisoned there? Why are the ravens infamous? What is a Tower Mint? Impress your classmates with your knowledge!
Don’t forget that UKCE does trips to places outside London, like historic Oxford and Cambridge and seaside towns like Margate and Southend.
Fun and games
UKCE offers frequent trips to places where you can play games. In the past, groups of students have gone bowling, played mini or crazy golf, table-tennis and much more. Take the opportunity to play something you’ve never tried before, and the whole point is to socialize, so it doesn't matter if you win or lose!
What’s the difference between mini golf and crazy golf? Is there even a difference? What’s a birdie? What’s the difference between an eagle and a bogey? Maybe you should find out before you pick up your putter!
I went out for a few games of social darts a few months ago and had a great time. This pub game is popular throughout the UK but this version is much faster and easier to understand, but you should still look up darts terms like bullseye and oche.
Eating
There’s nothing better than sitting down to a delicious meal with people you know well and London has a huge variety of different cuisines. You could help your classmates with the food from your country, or taste something you’ve never tastes before!
Make sure you revise your food terms and adjectives before you go!
I think everyone should try Indian food at least once, especially when it’s cold and wet outside. The menu will explain what ingredients are in each dish but you might want to look up different spices like cumin, coriander and turmeric, as well as ingredients like ghee and capsicum.
Vietnamese food is very popular in London right now, and there’s restaurants and street food pop-ups appearing all over the place. If you’re not already familiar with the dishes, make sure you know your Banh Mi from your Goi Cuon and don’t forget get the spice level of your Pho right!
UKCE tries to offer social programmes that appeal to different tastes, but why not try something completely different and get out of your comfort zone?
Here’s a list of social activities in February. Don’t be shy.
February | Event and place | Meeting | Time | Price | Teacher |
Thursday 1st | Conversation Class | Auditorium | 1pm | £10 | Keyla |
Friday 2nd | V&A Museum –Scavenger Hunt | South Kensington Station | 10am | Free | Kasia |
Wednesday 7th | Game Club | Room 302 | 1.30pm | Free | Patrick |
Thursday 8th | Writing a Personal Statement Workshop | Room 302 | 1pm | £10 | Keyla |
Friday 9th | Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens | Kew Gardens underground station | 1pm | £8 | Emily |
Thursday 15th | Conversation Class | Auditorium | 1pm | £10 | Ivo |
Friday 16th | Sky Garden and lunch in China Town | LVS Ground floor reception | 10am | Free | Lorena |
Wednesday 21st | Film Club | Auditorium | 1.30pm | Free | Patrick |
Thursday 22nd | Essay Writing Structure Workshop | Room 302 | 1pm | £10 | Keyla |
Friday 23rd | Day Trip to Cambridge | Paddington Station | From 9am | £16 | Ivo |
Thursday 29th | Conversation Class | Auditorium | 1pm | £10 | Kasia |
Social Activities are a great way to learn English out in the real world. Check out our free
12-week Social Activities Package here
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