Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc in Applied Mathematics
Making the decision to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the 18 months I’ve spent in London have turned out to be the most fulfilling and exciting of my life.
London is an eclectic, multicultural, historic, and vibrant city boasting a diverse array of restaurants, events, and attractions – navigating through it is always a thrilling journey! However, acclimating to a new country can pose its challenges. Here are some insights I gathered as an international student in London, along with advice and recommendations for once you’re settled.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step towards moving to London is finding the perfect place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and various online forums to research different neighborhoods throughout London. I found that Camden Town has an energetic nightlife, Hackney is a rapidly developing area in east London, and Putney offers a peaceful and green residential atmosphere.
I was lucky enough to visit London prior to starting my Master’s program, which allowed me to check out these neighborhoods firsthand before making my relocation decision. After selecting Putney as my choice, my flatmates (whom I met in undergraduate studies) and I turned to accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and successfully secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve made yourself comfortable, an abundance of opportunities and events are at your fingertips – the challenge lies in choosing which activities to partake in and carving out time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis district, an area that honors art, engineering, and science. Close by are fantastic museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are delightful to visit, with some remaining open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, an open celebration where the museum morphs into a lively gathering featuring drinks and live music!
In addition to museums, I relish exploring East London locales such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is steeped in history and artistic initiatives, making it a wonderful place for exploration. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – built on a former canning warehouse, it now houses a startup focused on creating temporary structures from shipping containers. The area champions creative manufacturing and is home to art studios, as well as the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London has plenty of bargains if you know where to search, with numerous options for affordable yet delicious food. I’ve compiled a selection of eateries with great deals scattered around the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
A notable place is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers presents an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for merely £1 each! It’s an incredible find, particularly if you long for the taste of fresh seafood from home.
Tooting in South London is famed for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food venues showcasing a myriad of cuisines. If you’re craving flavors reminiscent of home, I highly suggest checking out the food markets in Tooting!
Escaping the city
While the pace of the city contributes to London’s allure, there are times when the Tube becomes overwhelming or the streets too congested. Luckily, London is centrally located within an excellent network of trains and coaches, making weekend getaways a breeze.
My favorite destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England rich in history and spots that are friendly to students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, making for a fantastic day trip, particularly during the summer.
Ultimately, London is a lively metropolis teeming with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover all it has to offer while you’re studying at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, check out my Imperial story.