Written by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to move from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe felt overwhelming. Nonetheless, the past 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and enjoyable periode in my life.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, and historic city offering an array of restaurants, events, and attractions—every exploration is an exciting journey! However, adjusting to life in a foreign country can be tough. Here are some insights I’ve gathered as an international student relocating to London, along with advice on what to do once you’re settled in.
Moving to London for Graduate Studies
The initial step when relocating to London is identifying the perfect place to live. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to investigate different areas in London. Camden Town is famous for its vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning district in east London, and Putney offers a calm, green residential environment.
Having explored London before commencing my Master’s, I visited these neighborhoods in person prior to selecting Putney. My flatmates (whom I connected with during undergraduate studies) and I turned to accommodation websites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, arranged virtual viewings with landlords, and ultimately discovered a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Things to Do in London
Once you have established yourself, an array of opportunities and events lies ahead—deciding which activities to engage in and fitting them into your schedule is the challenge of residing in London!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis district, known for its focus on art, industry, and science. In close proximity are the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic places to visit, with some open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a mini rave with refreshments and live music!
Apart from museums, I love discovering East London areas such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is brimming with historical and artistic endeavors, providing an excellent atmosphere to roam and uncover new experiences. My favorite place is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established in an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup that constructs temporary structures from shipping containers. It celebrates innovative manufacturing and features art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining Options in London
London boasts numerous dining deals if you know where to seek them, with a plethora of choices for affordable yet high-quality food. I’ve created a list of eateries with discounts throughout the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One such location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers presents an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for merely £1 each! This is an incredible offer, particularly if you crave the flavors of home’s seafood.
Tooting in South London is renowned for its rich food culture. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food havens presenting various cuisines. If you’re longing for food that evokes home, I highly suggest checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Getting Away from the City
While the buzzing atmosphere contributes to London’s allure, there are times when the Tube becomes excessively noisy, or the streets feel overwhelmingly crowded. Luckily, London is well-served by trains and coaches, allowing for easy getaways from the city over the weekend.
My preferred destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a large botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer excursion.
All in all, London is a lively city filled with chances and areas to discover, so take the time to explore all it has to offer during your journey at Imperial!
To learn more about my journeys, check out my Imperial story.