Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the continent’s largest metropolis was intimidating, yet the past 18 months spent in London have proven to be immensely fulfilling and enjoyable.
London stands out as a multifaceted, multicultural, historical, and lively city offering a plethora of dining options, events, and attractions. Every exploration feels like a new adventure! Nonetheless, adapting to a foreign country can bring its own set of challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with advice and tips for when you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a graduate student
The initial phase of relocating to London involves identifying the perfect home base. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and various online forums to investigate different neighborhoods in London. Camden Town is recognized for its vibrant nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, while Putney offers a serene, green residential feel.
Having previously visited London before commencing my Master’s, I took the opportunity to personally explore these neighborhoods prior to my choice of Putney. My flatmates (whom I connected with during my undergraduate studies) and I leveraged platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to seek budget-friendly house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and located a charming flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
After settling in, a myriad of opportunities and events is on the horizon. The difficulty lies in selecting which activities to attend and making time for everything!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus resides in the Albertopolis district, an area dedicated to celebrating art, industry, and science. Nearby, you can find splendid museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum, some of which remain open late on Fridays. The V&A even organizes a V&A Late on the final Friday of each month, transforming the museum into a vibrant celebration featuring drinks and live entertainment!
In addition to museums, I relish exploring East London locales such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is rich in both historical and artistic significance. My preferred spot is Trinity Buoy Wharf, a creative center situated on an old canning warehouse, which currently hosts a startup focused on constructing structures from shipping containers alongside art studios and the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his research!
Dining out in London
London is home to fantastic food deals if you know where to search. I’ve compiled a list of dining locations with discounts throughout the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour with oysters priced at only £1 each. It’s an appealing bargain, particularly if you long for the taste of seafood from home!
Tooting, located in South London, is also recognized for its vibrant food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food venues showcasing a wide array of international cuisines. If you’re in search of cuisine that reminds you of home, I highly suggest visiting Tooting’s food markets!
Taking time away from the hustle
While the lively pace of London is delightful, there are moments when the Tube feels too noisy or the streets too congested. Luckily, London boasts an excellent network of trains and coaches, facilitating easy escapes for a weekend getaway.
My preferred getaway spots are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury, a picturesque medieval town in southern England brimming with history and student-friendly hangouts, is a must-visit. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.
Overall, London is a dynamic city offering limitless possibilities and destinations to explore, so take your time uncovering all it has to offer during your time at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, check out my Imperial story.