Meet the EF London Office: Top things to know about living and working in London
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The EF Education First London office is nestled just off King's Road in Chelsea. Walking through the doors, you can begin your day with a complimentary barista coffee in our café, get energized in our gym and yoga studio, and immerse yourself in a bustling international office. The open-plan workspace is thoughtfully designed with natural architecture, tranquil gardens, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The EF London office matches the dynamic pulse of London itself: a city bursting with foodie delights, beautiful parks, free museums, and a rich history, not to mention London's status as one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world with more than 300 languages spoken. We asked our staff to share what makes London a great place to work and offer advice on making the city home.
Which neighborhoods do you recommend?
“If you want to live more centrally and have a reasonable commute to the office, consider areas like Fulham, Battersea, or Clapham! They are the perfect mix of high streets with shops, restaurants, buzz, and calmer green spaces like parks and riverside banks. As London is so large, one of the more important elements to consider is transport and commute, so consider that when looking at places to live.”
–Cato, Digital Marketing Manager, Hult EF Corporate Education
“I like Bermondsey. I lived there for a couple of years, and it's got a relaxed feel about it. It's near Tower Bridge and Borough Market and has many cool bars and places to eat.”
–Michael, Head of Data and Analytics, EF English Live
“For greenery: Richmond, Hampstead, Chipping Barnet, or Chiswick. For lively nights: Clapham, Brixton, Shoreditch, or Camden. For brunch: Stoke Newington, Putney, Balham, or Highgate. And for family-friendly areas: Finchley, Muswell Hill, Wimbledon, Greenwich, or London Fields.”
–Emma, Marketing Automation Specialist, EF English Live
“I live in a very residential area in the suburbs of North West London. I'd recommend any neighborhood in Greater London that is also near a tube station. That way you get the leafy area, clean air, quiet and cheaper accommodation and it's only a train ride into central London when you want a bit more buzz!”
–Nikki, Product Director, EF English Live
What are your favorite things about London?
“Despite being a bustling metropolis, London has an abundance of green spaces. Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Hampstead Heath provide beautiful escapes for tranquillity and peace. There is so much cultural diversity; the city embraces people worldwide, resulting in a vibrant blend of cultures, cuisines, and traditions. London is also great because you can easily explore neighboring countries or take short trips across the UK.”
–Jon, Program Director, EF High School Exchange Year
“There's always something new happening, and it doesn't have to cost too much. An adventure down to the South Bank, drinks outside at breweries, checking out sculpture exhibitions at the parks, or a stand-up gig in central. It never gets boring.”
–Michael
“Exploring museums—The British Museum, V&A Museum, The Wallace Collection, Tate Modern, and Saatchi Gallery, to name a few—picnics in the park, going to gigs, and bottomless brunch. I have lived in London all my life and am still discovering new and exciting places. There is always something for everyone.”
–Emma
“One of my absolute favorite things about this city is the abundance of food markets! My favorites are Borough Market, Camden Market, Bricklane Market, Portobello Road Market, and Maltby Street Market. I also love how international this city is. I love that you will always hear other languages besides English spoken on the streets. As an expat, it makes me feel right at home.”
–Cato
“We are spoiled by choice with a staggering number of restaurants, museums, concerts, and sporting events. My favorite thing about London, though, is all of the parks and green spaces.”
–Jax, Director, EF Pro Cycling
What are some tips that you wish someone had told you about London when you first moved here?
“Live like a local as soon as you can. There are so many hidden gems that make London a never-ending playground. Also, for the smoothest transportation experience, download the Citymapper app.”
–Jon
“Buy a bike and cycle as much as possible. The city on a bike is beautiful.”
–Amanda, Head of People & DEI, EF English Live
“Go to the food markets just before 12, and most stalls will give out free samples to try. You can taste everything before the stalls get too busy!”
–Michael
“Don't worry about getting transport tickets or an Oyster card; you can use contactless payment on all underground trains and buses. You can even use it on trains- like to Gatwick Airport from Victoria Station.”
–Cato
“Stand to the right, walk on the left.”
–Nikki
What is the commute like?
“The London office is based in Chelsea, situated between two tube stations: South Kensington and Sloane Square. From each of the stations, it's about a 10-minute walk. There are also several buses that stop right down the road from the office. I have either a 35-minute walk or a 10–15-minute bus ride.”
–Cato
“Coming into Chelsea from South London is an easy trip. Despite living near the tube, I choose the bus for a direct and comfortable route, always getting a seat. It is the perfect opportunity to read or listen to a podcast.”
– Jon
“Around an hour with no phone signal on the tube—it provides the perfect reading time!”
–Amanda
“The trains can be a little busy, and tubes are best avoided on the hottest days, but generally, I have a short train ride where I can catch up on emails (or complete my wordle and read a book) and then a short walk across from Clapham to Chelsea. I go past Battersea Park, which is beautiful, and the views down the river from Albert Bridge always brighten up my mornings.”
–Michael
“Chelsea is an outlier in London because it isn't as well connected as the rest of Zone 1, so it takes three trains on the tube for me, but it is only 35 minutes from door to door. The longest bit is walking from the tube station to the office! If I had a bike, it would only take 20 minutes.”
–Emma
“I'm lucky to have a quick 17-minute walk.”
–Jax
“I drive to the tube station and take the train to South Kensington. From there I walk 10 minutes to the office. Door to door, my commute is about 1 hour and 20 mins. While this is a bit far for most people, I've chosen a location based on where my family lives and where good schools are located rather than my workplace.”
–Nikki
How would you describe the work environment in your EF office?
“Like working in any EF office, every day is different. At EF London, we are part of a supportive community with the same passion for education and global impact. Teamwork, camaraderie, and mutual support are at the heart of our culture, as well as memorable team events, collaborative projects, and a strong sense of belonging.”
–Jon
“EF's culture and people are the best! Connect with people across departments and products. You never know where your EF career will take you.”
–Amanda
“It is fun, relaxed, and focused on the same time. You get a nice buzz as you come in in the mornings, and everyone is friendly and warm. A great mix of open space within the first floor breaks up the working space, so it never feels overly corporate.”
– Michael
“Friendly, relaxed, and very diverse. My favorite day was when everyone brought a dish from their home country for a big team lunch!”
–Emma
“On Mondays and Fridays, it's calm, focused, and quiet. But as Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday come around, the buzz in the office increases. You'll see people queuing up for coffee in the morning, and great energy throughout the open floor plan. Generally, it's a very comfortable environment; people are approachable and helpful, and there are always some chats by the coffee bar.”
–Cato
“It's a beautiful space and easy to get on with work. I enjoy meeting and chatting with people in person, particularly those I don't directly work with.”
–Nikki
What do you love about your EF office?
“The people! EF London is filled with bright and exciting people from all over the world. I'm also partial to the free gym (and Peloton), and love working from the first-floor garden space. Having worked in the EF Boston and EF Berlin offices, the London office's size is in-between the North American hub and the regional German office—it is the perfect size.”
–Jon
“I love the office open space because it fosters collaboration, creativity, and a sense of camaraderie among colleagues.”
–Amanda
“The staff who run the coffee bar are friendly (and the coffee is lovely!), and the gym facilities are fantastic. The location is perfect too; there's so much to explore with UCL, Hyde Park, Battersea Park and the Natural History Museum all within 10 mins walking distance.”
–Michael
“I love the little green patio, an outdoor space in the middle of the first floor. Great space to focus, enjoy fresh air, and be surrounded by plants!”
–Emma
“The gym is a great plus! It's one of the reasons I love to come into the office, even on quieter days. I also really love all the greenery and plants around the office. It adds such a peaceful element to the space.”
–Cato
“The Chelsea Manor Street location is hard to beat, with a great selection of nearby local restaurants, cafes, shops, and fitness options. The EF Architecture and Design team has done a fantastic job of making our office a beautiful environment where you want to spend time. I appreciate all the natural light and outdoor meeting space.”
–Jax
“The sun trap and the coffee.”
–Nikki