Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
The choice to transition from the tranquil countryside of a rural Spanish island to the largest metropolis in Europe was overwhelming. Nevertheless, the 18 months since my move to London have been the most rewarding and enjoyable period of my life.
London is a multifaceted, multicultural, historic, and lively city that boasts a vast selection of dining establishments, events, and attractions – navigating it is perpetually an adventure! Yet, acclimating to life in a foreign land can present its challenges. Below are some insights I gathered while relocating to London as an international student, along with tips and suggestions for your time once you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the ideal location to call your own. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online discussion forums, I investigated various neighborhoods throughout London that could be enjoyable to reside in. I learned that Camden Town offers a lively nightlife, Hackney is an emerging area in east London, and Putney provides a peaceful and green residential environment.
I was lucky enough to visit London prior to commencing my Master’s studies, which enabled me to personally explore these districts before making my decision on where to live. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I leveraged accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to find budget-friendly house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve unpacked and set up your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events await you – the difficulty in London lies in selecting which activities to partake in and making time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a zone that honors art, manufacturing, and science. Close by, there is a variety of remarkable museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to explore, and some even have extended hours on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, an open party transforming the museum into a small rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I love discovering East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The entire region is rich with historical sites and artistic endeavors, making it an enchanting place to wander and uncover unexpected treasures. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – formerly an old canning warehouse, it now hosts a Series B startup creating temporary structures from shipping containers. This complex celebrates innovative manufacturing and features several art studios, as well as the original lighthouse laboratory where the renowned English chemist and physicist Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London boasts numerous bargains if you know where to seek them, with plenty of options for budget-friendly yet outstanding food. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled an extensive list of eateries offering various deals across the city, making dining out considerably more affordable.
One such gem is in South Kensington, where you can find a fantastic seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers offering an Oyster Happy Hour, where each oyster costs just £1! It’s an excellent deal, especially if you are longing for the taste of seafood reminiscent of home and wish to indulge in oysters without overspending!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its food culture. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing a multitude of cuisines. If you’re searching for food that evokes memories of home, I highly encourage you to explore the Tooting food markets!
Taking a breather from the city
While the city’s rhythm contributes to London’s allure, there are times when the Tube becomes too noisy or the streets too congested with crowds. Thankfully, London is well-connected within a vast network of trains and coaches, making it convenient to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, brimming with history and student-friendly locations. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which makes for a wonderful day trip, especially during the summer.
Ultimately, London is a dynamic city overflowing with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time uncovering everything the city has in store during your experience at Imperial!
To learn more about my journeys,