By Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating, but the last 18 months in London have been remarkably fulfilling and enjoyable.
London is a rich, multicultural, historic, and lively city, offering an extensive array of restaurants, events, and attractions—discovering it is always an exciting journey! Nonetheless, adjusting to a new country can pose challenges. Here are some insights I’ve gained as an international student relocating to London, along with tips and guidance for once you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a Postgraduate Student
The initial step in relocating to London is finding the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate different areas of London that could be enjoyable to reside in. I learned that Camden Town boasts a dynamic nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning region in east London, and Putney is a peaceful, green residential neighborhood.
I was fortunate enough to visit London before commencing my Master’s program, which allowed me to assess these neighborhoods firsthand before deciding where to move. After opting for Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during undergraduate studies) and I leveraged accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to discover budget-friendly house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to Enjoy in London
Once you’ve unpacked and adorned your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits you—the challenge in London lies in selecting which activities to engage in and allocating time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis district, a vast area that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Numerous fantastic museums are nearby, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are delightful to visit, and some remain open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A organizes a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a small party with drinks and live music!
In addition to visiting museums, I relish discovering East London areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The region is brimming with historical and artistic endeavors, making it a splendid place for walking and exploration. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup crafting temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates creative manufacturing and houses several art studios, as well as the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining Out in London
London provides numerous bargains when you know where to search, with ample options for affordable yet excellent dining. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of dining locations offering various deals across the city, making eating out more economical.
One such location is in South Kensington, where a seafood establishment called Wright Brothers has an Oyster Happy Hour, featuring oysters for just £1 each! It’s an incredible bargain, particularly if you long for the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters without breaking the bank!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are large indoor street food markets presenting a diverse array of cuisines. If you’re seeking food that evokes memories of home, I strongly recommend exploring the Tooting food markets!
Taking a Break from the Urban Landscape
Although the city’s tempo is part of London’s allure, there are times when the Tube becomes too noisy, or the streets get overly crowded. Luckily, London is centrally located within an excellent network of trains and buses, making weekend escapes from the city accessible.
My favorite destinations to visit are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a charming medieval town in southern England filled with history and accommodating spots for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which makes for a fantastic day out, especially during the summer.
All in all, London is a dynamic city teeming with opportunities and locations to explore, so take your time to uncover everything the city has to offer during your experience at Imperial!
For more insights into my experiences, read my Imperial story.