Published: 18 March 2022
London is an amazing city for many reasons, not least just how easy it is to get around the biggest urban settlement in the country.
With the Transport for London (TfL) network, you have access to the Tube, overground, buses, DLR, boats and even a cable car.
So what’s the best way to get to the University of Sunderland in London and how do you make sure you get to that 9am class on time?
Walking
The number one, best possible way to get to our campus in South Quay is by walking, if you live near enough that is.
That’s because going on foot is not only the healthiest option, but it’s great for the planet and free too.
There are plenty of footpaths around Canary Wharf giving you the chance to get to class safely while taking in some of the beautiful and inspiring sights along our waterways.
It’ll obviously depend on where you’re coming from, but Canary Wharf station is just 15 minutes walk away and takes you across the river for a bit of sightseeing.
Be sure to check the weather, wear comfortable shoes and set off with plenty of time to have the most enjoyable experience possible.
Cycling
A close second in terms of good ideas when planning your trip to lectures is going by bike.
While also great for the environment and very healthy, cycling can cost a little more.
You could rent one of the many Santander bicycles run by TfL which you can do for as little as £2 for 30 minutes.
Alternatively, you could always invest in your own bike. There are hundreds of options available so make sure you do your research before you buy.
Cycling in London is becoming safer all the time, especially with the introduction of cycle lanes, but you should still be cautious if you choose this method.
Always use a helmet no matter how short your journey, wear reflective clothing so other road users can see you easily and make sure your lights are working.
It’s also a good idea to know where you're going to park your bike, whether that’s at a Santander bay or a bike lock station - and be sure to have a strong, reliable padlock if you’re using your own.
Bus
For those of you a little too far out to be walking or cycling to the campus, there are several bus stations nearby.
The closest is the D8 bus, which stops just outside the Marsh Wall building heading East or across the road by the South Quay DLR station going West.
Other than that, there’s the 135 and the D6 both of which stop about a five-minute walk away.
It’s a good idea to check your journey on Google Maps or apps like City Mapper or TfL Go to make sure you know where you are going and how long you might have to wait for the bus.
You’ll also need an Oyster or contactless bank card to use the network now, so double-check you have it with you before you leave.
Tube and DLR
Of course, the most famous mode of public transport in London is the tube network.
It’s the oldest underground railway in the world, opening with the Metropolitan line in 1863.
The nearest tube station to the University is Canary Wharf, sitting within Zone Two and running the Jubilee line.
Later this year, the brand-new Elizabeth line should be opening, giving you an additional option.
But the closest station on the underground network is actually South Quay, which is a DLR or Docklands Light Railway station - a type of automated train.
The stop is right across the road from the Marsh Wall building and less than a minute walk to our new HX4 site.
Of course, the real answer to ‘how do I get to campus?’ might be a combination of all these things.
For example, you could try getting off the bus or train a stop early and walking the rest of the way to get a little exercise and see the city from a new perspective.
However you plan on getting here, a world of learning and community await you so let’s get moving.
What are your transport tips for making your journey to the University of Sunderland in London more enjoyable?
Share them with the community through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #WeAreSunLon.