Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe felt overwhelming. Nevertheless, the last 18 months I’ve spent in London have been the most rewarding and exhilarating of my life.
London is an energetic, diverse, and historically rich city with a wide selection of restaurants, events, and attractions—navigating it is always a thrilling experience! However, adapting to life in a different country can pose its challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with advice on what to consider once you’re established.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London involves finding the perfect place to call home. Utilizing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I looked into various London neighborhoods that might be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts an energetic nightlife, Hackney is a developing area in east London, and Putney offers a serene, green residential atmosphere.
I was lucky enough to visit London prior to starting my Master’s, which gave me the chance to check out these neighborhoods firsthand before making my housing decision. After settling on Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I turned to accommodation search websites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to discover affordable house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve made yourself comfortable, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits you—navigating London involves deciding which activities to dive into and finding the time to experience them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis region, a neighborhood that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are remarkable museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to visit, and some even have extended hours on Fridays. On the final Friday of every month, the V&A holds a V&A Late, an open party where the museum turns into a mini rave featuring drinks and live music!
Aside from museum visits, I enjoy wandering around East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The area is dotted with historical sites and artistic endeavors, making it an amazing place to stroll and see what surprises you might encounter. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf—once an old canning warehouse, it now houses a Series B startup that creates temporary structures using shipping containers. The complex honors creative manufacturing and accommodates multiple art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London has numerous deals if you know where to search, offering plenty of options for affordable yet delectable meals. During my time in London, I’ve put together a list of dining spots with various offers throughout the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One such location is in South Kensington, where you’ll find an excellent seafood restaurant named Wright Brothers offering an Oyster Happy Hour, where oysters are just £1 each! It’s a fantastic deal, especially if you’re longing for the taste of home seafood and want to indulge in oysters without breaking the bank!
Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets that provide a diverse selection of cuisines. If you’re seeking food that brings back memories of home, I highly recommend checking out the Tooting food markets!
Taking a breather from the city
While the city’s tempo is part of London’s allure, there are times when the Tube gets too noisy or the streets become overly crowded. Fortunately, London is centrally located within an excellent network of trains and coaches, making it easy to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England bursting with history and student-friendly locales. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which makes for a delightful day trip, especially during summer.
In summary, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to explore, so take the time to uncover everything the city has to offer while at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, read my Imperial story.