Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
The transition from the rural landscapes of a Spanish island to the largest metropolis in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the past 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and enjoyable of my life.
London stands as a diverse, multicultural, historic, and dynamic city filled with a variety of eateries, events, and attractions – every exploration is an adventure! However, adapting to a new country can present difficulties. Below are some insights I gained as an international student relocating to London, along with some tips and recommendations for when you feel at home.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is finding the ideal place to settle down. Through Instagram, TikTok, and online communities, I researched different neighborhoods in London that looked appealing to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney represents a developing area of east London, and Putney is a tranquil, green residential region.
I was lucky enough to visit London prior to embarking on my Master’s, which gave me the chance to personally explore these neighborhoods before making a decision on my residence. After opting for Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve settled in and personalized your new home, a plethora of opportunities and events await you – the real challenge in London is choosing which activities to engage in and making time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood that celebrates art, industry, and science. Close by are fantastic museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These institutions are wonderful to visit, with some staying open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a lively gathering with refreshments and live performances!
In addition to museum visits, I take pleasure in exploring East London’s areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is rich in historical and artistic projects, making it a captivating place to stroll and uncover. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – formerly an old canning warehouse, it now hosts a startup that creates temporary constructions from shipping containers. The site celebrates innovative manufacturing and contains several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday worked!
Dining out in London
London provides fantastic food deals if you know where to seek them out. Throughout my time in London, I’ve curated a list of food venues featuring various promotions across the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One highlight is located in South Kensington, where a seafood establishment named Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for just £1 each! This is an incredible offer, particularly if you’re yearning for home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters without breaking the bank!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets providing a wide array of cuisines. If you’re in search of food reminiscent of home, I strongly suggest checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a break from the city
While the pulse of London adds to its allure, there are times when the Tube can be overwhelmingly noisy or the streets excessively crowded. Thankfully, London is centrally located in a fantastic network of trains and coaches, making it easy to retreat from the city for a weekend.
My favorite destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, filled with history and friendly spots for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, which makes for a delightful day trip, especially during the summer months.
In summary, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to uncover all it has to offer while you’re at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.
<footer class="imp-post__