Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from the tranquil countryside of a Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling period of my life.
London is a lively, diverse, historical metropolis with an array of restaurants, events, and attractions – it is always an adventure to explore! However, adapting to life in a new country can be tough. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with advice and recommendations for when you have settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is finding the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online discussion boards to gather information about different areas in London that could be enjoyable to live in. I learned that Camden Town features a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a developing region in east London, and Putney is a peaceful, green residential neighborhood.
I was lucky to visit London prior to beginning my Master’s, which allowed me to check out these neighborhoods firsthand before settling on a place to live. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I connected with during my undergraduate studies) and I engaged with accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, organized online viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a charming flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve gotten comfortable and set up your new space, a realm of possibilities and events is available – the difficulty in London lies in selecting which activities to participate in and finding the time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis region, a district that honors art, industry, and science. Close by, there’s an impressive assortment of museums, such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums provide great exploration opportunities, with some even staying open late on Fridays. Every last Friday of the month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, an open party where the museum is transformed into a small rave featuring drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I find joy in exploring East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich with historical corners and artistic endeavors, making it a delightful location to stroll through and see what surprises you might encounter. My favorite place is Trinity Buoy Wharf – established on an old canning warehouse, it now accommodates a Series B startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates creative manufacturing and is home to several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where English chemist and physicist Michael Faraday conducted his experiments!
Dining out in London
London presents plenty of deals if you know where to seek them, with numerous options for affordable yet exceptional dining. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of dining locations with various discounts across the city, making eating out more economical.
One such place is in South Kensington, where an incredible seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, allowing you to enjoy oysters for just £1 each! This is a fantastic offer, particularly if you miss the flavor of 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 featuring a vast selection of cuisines. If you’re on the lookout for food that evokes memories of home, I highly recommend exploring the food markets in Tooting!
Taking a break from the urban hustle
While the city’s pace contributes to London’s allure, at times the Tube can become excessively loud, or the streets can feel too congested, with throngs of people everywhere. Fortunately, London is centrally located within an excellent network of trains and coaches, making it simple to escape the city for a weekend.
Some of my favorite destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, brimming with history and student-friendly spots. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which is a perfect day trip, especially during the summer months.
All in all, London is a bustling city teeming with opportunities and areas to discover, so take your time to explore all it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/Stories/my-imper