Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the decision to relocate from a rural Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was overwhelming. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have proven to be the most rewarding and enjoyable of my existence.
London is a lively, diverse, historic metropolis with a vast selection of restaurants, events, and attractions – every exploration is an adventure! Yet, adapting to a new country can be tough. Below are some insights I gained as an international student transitioning to London, along with some advice on what to do once you get established.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial task when moving to London is securing the ideal place to call your own. By utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online communities, I investigated various neighborhoods in London that seemed exciting to reside in. I discovered the lively nightlife of Camden Town, Hackney’s budding scene, and the peaceful, green residential atmosphere of Putney.
Having toured London prior to beginning my Master’s, I visited these neighborhoods personally before finalizing my choice on Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized housing platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly shared accommodations, set up online viewings, and landed a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve settled in, a plethora of opportunities and events beckon – the trick is selecting which activities to partake in and making time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is positioned in Albertopolis, an area that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are fabulous museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to explore, with some staying open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, turning the museum into a vibrant party with beverages and live performances!
Alongside museums, I love discovering East London areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is teeming with historical and artistic endeavors, making it a delightful area to roam. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on a former canning warehouse, now home to a startup creating temporary designs from shipping containers. The complex pays tribute to creative manufacturing and contains art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents excellent deals if you know where to search, with numerous places providing affordable yet delectable food. I’ve compiled a list of dining options with discounts throughout the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One great location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for just £1 each! This is an amazing opportunity, especially if you crave the taste of fresh seafood from home.
Tooting in South London is well-known for its vibrant food culture. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing an array of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that reminds you of home, I strongly recommend checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Escaping the city
While the buzz of London contributes to its allure, occasionally the Tube can become too noisy or the streets overly congested. Thankfully, London is centrally located within an excellent train and coach network, making it simple to take a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations are 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) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summery outing.
In summary, London is a vibrant metropolis brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to uncover all it has to offer during your time at Imperial!
For more insights into my experiences, check out my Imperial story.