Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the choice to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have turned out to be the most fulfilling and enjoyable period of my life.
London is an eclectic, multicultural, historic, and lively metropolis that boasts an extensive selection of restaurants, events, and attractions – every exploration is an adventure! However, adjusting to a new country can present challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with tips on what to do once you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is discovering the ideal place to call home. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I researched various neighborhoods in London that might offer a fun living experience. I stumbled upon Camden Town’s lively nightlife, Hackney’s budding scene, and Putney’s serene, green residential atmosphere.
Having visited London prior to my Master’s program, I took the opportunity to explore these neighborhoods firsthand before settling on Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during undergraduate studies) and I utilized platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to seek out affordable house shares, arranged online viewings, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After you’ve settled in, a plethora of opportunities and events lie ahead – the challenge is deciding which activities to participate in and managing to fit them all into your schedule!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A Museum, all of which are a joy to explore, with some open until late on Fridays. The V&A even hosts a V&A Late event on the final Friday of each month, turning the museum into a small celebration with drinks and live music!
Apart from museums, I love wandering around East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The area is steeped in history and artistic endeavors, making it a charming place to roam. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, constructed on an old canning warehouse, now a hub for a startup creating temporary structures out of shipping containers. It’s a center of creative manufacturing, featuring art studios and the original lighthouse laboratory where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents great deals if you know where to seek them, with numerous options for low-cost yet delicious food. I have compiled a list of eateries offering bargains throughout the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One such establishment is Wright Brothers in South Kensington, which provides an Oyster Happy Hour with oysters priced at just £1 each! It’s an outstanding offer, especially if you’re longing for seafood from back home.
Tooting in South London is famous for its vibrant food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food venues featuring a variety of cuisines. If you’re longing for flavors reminiscent of home, I strongly advise exploring the food markets in Tooting!
Taking a respite from the city
While the bustling rhythm of London adds to its allure, there are times when the Tube can be overwhelming or the streets overly crowded. Luckily, London has excellent train and coach connections, allowing for quick getaways over the weekend.
My favorite destinations to visit include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a magnificent medieval town in southern England, rich in history and filled with student-friendly locations. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society’s expansive botanical gardens in Wisley make for a delightful day trip, particularly in the summer.
All in all, London is a vibrant city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to uncover everything it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, read my Imperial tale.