Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nonetheless, the last 18 months spent in London have been the most rewarding and exhilarating of my existence.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, historic, and bustling city with an extensive array of restaurants, events, and attractions—venturing through it is always an adventure! However, adapting to life in a new country can present its obstacles. Below are some insights I’ve gained while moving to London as an international student, alongside some advice and recommendations for after you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is discovering the ideal place to settle. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I examined various neighborhoods in London that might be enjoyable to live in. I found that Camden Town boasts a lively nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney is a serene, green residential neighborhood.
I was lucky enough to visit London before commencing my Master’s, which allowed me to explore these areas firsthand prior to deciding where to reside. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search sites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate affordable house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve unpacked and personalized your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events await you—the difficulty in London lies in selecting which activities to engage in and finding time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood celebrating art, industry, and science. Close by, you will encounter a collection of marvelous museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to visit, and some even remain open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, an open event where the museum transforms into a small rave featuring drinks and live music!
Apart from visiting museums, I relish exploring East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich with historical pockets and artistic initiatives, making it a delightful site to explore and see what you might unveil. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf—constructed on the site of an old canning warehouse, it now houses a Series B startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates innovative manufacturing and contains several art studios, in addition to the original lighthouse lab where English chemist and physicist Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London is abundant with deals if you know where to seek them, featuring numerous options for inexpensive yet excellent cuisine. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of food venues showcasing various offers across the city, making dining out significantly more budget-friendly.
One such location is in South Kensington, where a superb seafood restaurant named Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at only £1 each! It’s a fantastic deal, particularly if you’re yearning for the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and wallet’s) content!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary culture. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets featuring a diverse range of cuisines. If you’re searching for food that evokes memories of home, I highly recommend exploring the food markets in Tooting!
Taking a break from the city
While the city’s energy is part of London’s allure, there are moments when the Tube becomes overly loud, the streets too bustling, and crowds feel overwhelming. Fortunately, London is centrally located within an excellent network of trains and coaches, making it easy to escape the city for a weekend.
My favorite destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a charming medieval town in southern England brimming with history and student-friendly spots. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which is a delightful day trip, particularly during the summer.
In conclusion, London is a lively city replete with opportunities and sites to explore, so take the time to discover all that the city has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
For further insights about my experiences, <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/