Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the choice to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was overwhelming. Nonetheless, the last 18 months spent in London have been the most rewarding and enjoyable period of my life.
London is a rich, multicultural, historic, and lively metropolis boasting a vast array of restaurants, events, and attractions – each exploration becomes an exciting journey! Yet, acclimating to life in a foreign country can pose difficulties. Below are some insights I gained as an international student transitioning to London, along with a few recommendations and advice for settling in.
Relocating to London as a graduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the perfect place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to research various neighborhoods in London that could be enjoyable to live in. I found out that Camden Town offers an exciting nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning area in east London, and Putney is a serene, green residential locale.
I was lucky enough to visit London prior to beginning my Master’s program, which allowed me to personally explore these neighborhoods before making my residency decision. After settling on Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I turned to accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve unpacked and styled your new space, a universe of opportunities and events awaits – the real challenge in London is deciding which activities to engage in and finding time for everything!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district that honors art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, you can discover remarkable museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to delve into, and some even remain open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A holds a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a mini rave with drinks and live music!
In addition to visiting museums, I love wandering through East London areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is rich with historical and artistic landmarks, making it a fantastic place to stroll and unearth new experiences. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – established on an old canning warehouse, it now hosts a startup that creates temporary structures using shipping containers. The site celebrates innovative manufacturing and contains several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents numerous bargains if you know where to search, with a plethora of choices for tasty yet budget-friendly meals. During my stay in London, I’ve compiled a list of dining spots offering various deals across the city, making dining out more budget-conscious.
One of these gems is located in South Kensington, where a seafood restaurant named Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour, featuring oysters for just £1 each! It’s a fantastic deal, especially if you long for the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and budget’s) delight!
Tooting in South London is also well-known for its vibrant food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets that present a wide array of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that evokes memories of home, I highly suggest exploring the Tooting food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
While the city’s energy is part of London’s allure, there are times when the Tube feels too noisy, or the streets become excessively crowded, with people everywhere. Thankfully, London is centrally located within a robust network of trains and coaches, making it easy to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town located in southern England, rich with history and accommodating spots for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, offering a delightful day out, particularly during the summer.
In summary, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover all that it has to offer throughout your journey at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story