London is in Southwestern Ontario, almost halfway between Toronto and Detroit, USA. Home to nearly half a million people, London has become one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. It is rich in heritage, arts, cultural spaces and natural beauty, and offers all of the amenities found in much larger cities.
London has an appealing mix of urban and natural spaces. It’s got great sports facilities, restaurants, arts and cultural spaces, and natural beauty, with the Thames River running through the city. Visit Victoria Park downtown for a music festival, or watch our professional basketball team, the London Lightning, at Canada Life Place. Masonville Place in the north and White Oaks Mall in the south are popular shopping destinations. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here in London.
London is known as the hub of talent in Southwestern Ontario and a place where you can explore exciting careers in fast-growing sectors such as agri-food, advanced manufacturing, digital media and tech, health care and research, and much more. London is projected to have 40,000 open positions in the next five years.
In London, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of living in a big city without the cost. The rent for an average one-bedroom apartment is $1,770 per month. Of course, as a King’s student, you can always choose one of our affordable residences on campus throughout your academic career, for first year and beyond.
Bring your shorts and your winter coat: London is definitely a four-season city. Average summer temperatures can run from 14°C to 26°C, while our winters are between 0 and -10°C. If you’re curious about snow, you’ll find it here, along with ways to enjoy it!
Nicknamed the “Forest City,” London is home to 7,000,000 trees, 490 parks and 330 kilometers of biking trails. Victoria Park, located in downtown London, is the site for popular events and festivals, including the world-famous Sunfest – four days of international food, culture, art and music.
Full-time university students receive a Universal Transit Pass, which is included in your tuition payment. This pass provides unlimited access to London Transit Commission (LTC) services for the semester. LTC has over 40 routes that connect to various locations throughout the city. And of course, as a King’s student, you can use our convenient King’s Shuttle Bus, which runs between Western and King’s every weekday.
Brought a car to King's? Investigate your parking options.
London is a city rich in artistic expression. You can spend an enjoyable afternoon in Museum London, watch a play at the Grand Theatre or attend a concert at Canada Life Place. Your choices are many.
The music scene is alive and well in London. In 2021, London was designated a UNESCO city of music because it is home to talented artists, songwriters, sound engineers, venue and festival operators and world-renowned education programs. London is the first Canadian city to receive this designation.
London is also a sports town. It’s home to hockey’s London Knights, baseball’s London Majors, and a professional basketball team, the London Lightning, and of course our own Western Mustang sports teams. Rather play than watch? There are multiple recreational sport leagues you can join. Prefer to play outside? You can ski, snowboard or tube down Boler Mountain in the winter, or hit the links on one of London’s seven public golf courses in the summer.