Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the decision to leave a rural island in Spain for Europe’s largest metropolis was intimidating. Nonetheless, my last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling experiences of my life.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, historic city boasting a vast array of restaurants, events, and attractions – every exploration feels like an adventure! Adapting to life in a new country, however, can pose its own challenges. Here are some insights I’ve gained as an international student in London, along with suggestions on what to do once you’re settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London involves finding the perfect place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate different London neighborhoods. Camden Town is renowned for its nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning area in east London, and Putney is a serene, green residential locale.
Having visited London prior to commencing my Master’s, I toured these neighborhoods physically before selecting Putney as my home. My flatmates (whom I connected with during my undergraduate studies) and I used platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a pleasant flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve settled, a myriad of opportunities and events beckon – the real challenge is deciding which activities to engage in and carving out time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a locality dedicated to art, manufacturing, and science. Close by, you’ll discover the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic for exploration, and some even extend their hours on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, turning the museum into a vibrant gathering with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I relish discovering East London districts such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich with historical and artistic landmarks. My favorite place is Trinity Buoy Wharf – formerly a canning warehouse, it now hosts a startup crafting temporary structures from shipping containers, as well as art studios and the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents excellent food deals if you know where to seek them. I’ve assembled a list of eateries with discounts throughout the city, making dining out much more budget-friendly.
One particular venue is located in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour featuring oysters at just £1 each! This is an incredible bargain, particularly if you long for the flavor of home seafood.
Tooting in South London is equally well-known for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets offering a variety of cuisines. If you’re yearning for food reminiscent of home, I strongly recommend checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a breather from the city
While the tempo of London is appealing, at times the Tube can become overwhelmingly loud or the streets overly congested. Thankfully, London boasts excellent train and coach connections, allowing for effortless weekend getaways.
I particularly enjoy visiting Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval community in southern England brimming with history and student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) operates a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.
In summary, London is a lively city teeming with opportunities and places to discover. Take your time exploring all that the city has in store during your journey at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.