Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months spent in London have been the most gratifying and exhilarating of my life.
London is an energetic, multicultural, historic metropolis that boasts a diverse array of restaurants, events, and attractions—navigating it is always an adventure! However, adjusting to life in a foreign country can present difficulties. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, plus advice on what to do after you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial phase of relocating to London involves discovering the ideal place to live. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to investigate different neighborhoods in London. Camden Town is renowned for its nightlife, Hackney is an emerging enclave in east London, and Putney represents a tranquil, green residential area.
Having previously visited London before commencing my Master’s program, I explored these neighborhoods firsthand before settling on Putney. My flatmates (who I met during my undergraduate studies) and I turned to websites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, organized online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a nice flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After you’ve settled in, an abundance of opportunities and events awaits—navigating London’s offerings involves deciding which activities to join and finding the time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is located in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood that celebrates the arts, 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, with some staying open late on Fridays. The V&A even holds a V&A Late on the final Friday of each month, converting the museum into a bustling event featuring drinks and live music!
In addition to museums, I love wandering through East London areas such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is steeped in history and creative projects, making it a delightful area to explore. My top choice is Trinity Buoy Wharf, an artistic hub erected on the site of an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup constructing temporary structures from shipping containers. It also hosts art studios and the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining in London
London provides numerous bargains if you know where to search, with a plethora of options for reasonably priced yet scrumptious meals. I’ve gathered a selection of dining locations with various specials across the city, making eating out more accessible.
One such location in South Kensington, the Wright Brothers, runs an Oyster Happy Hour where oysters are only £1 each! This is an incredible bargain, especially if you yearn for the taste of seafood from home.
Tooting in South London is also well-known for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are large indoor street food markets that showcase an extensive variety of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that evokes memories of home, I wholeheartedly suggest checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a break from the urban hustle
While London’s urban tempo is part of its allure, at times the Tube can feel excessively noisy, or the streets overly congested. Luckily, London is well-served by trains and coaches, enabling easy escapes from the city for weekend getaways.
I particularly enjoy visiting Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a picturesque medieval town in southern England, rich in history and inviting for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer excursion.
In summary, London is a dynamic city brimming with prospects and places to explore. Take your time to uncover all that it has to offer during your tenure at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, peruse my Imperial story.