Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the past 18 months spent in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling of my life.
London is a rich, multicultural, historical, and lively city packed with diverse restaurants, events, and attractions—navigating it is always an adventure! However, adapting to the routine of a new country can be tough. Here are some insights I gathered as an international student relocating to London, along with some tips and recommendations for when you settle in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is finding the perfect place to call home. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I explored various areas of London that might be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts a lively nightlife, Hackney is a developing part of east London, and Putney is a tranquil, green residential neighborhood.
I was lucky to visit London prior to starting my Master’s, which allowed me to personally check out these neighborhoods before making my decision. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to discover budget-friendly house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
After you’ve unpacked and styled your new space, a realm of opportunities and events is at your fingertips—living in London means choosing from a multitude of activities and finding time to fit them all in!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus resides in the Albertopolis area, a large district that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Numerous fantastic museums are situated nearby, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are wonderful to explore, and some even maintain late hours on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A organizes a V&A Late, an open event where the museum becomes a small rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I take pleasure in discovering East London locales such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich in historical and artistic endeavors, creating a delightful environment for walks and exploration. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf—developed on an old canning warehouse, it is now home to a Series B startup that constructs temporary structures from shipping containers. The site honors creative manufacturing and contains several art studios, along with the original lighthouse lab where English chemist and physicist Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents great deals if you know where to look, with many options for affordable yet delicious food. During my stay in London, I’ve compiled a list of eateries with various discounts throughout the city, making dining out more economical.
One such establishment is located in South Kensington, where an excellent seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, allowing you to savor oysters for just £1 each! This is a fantastic bargain, particularly if you crave the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and budget’s) content!
Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets providing a vast array of cuisines. If you’re searching for food that reminds you of home, I strongly suggest exploring the food markets in Tooting!
Taking a break from the city
While the city’s tempo is part of London’s allure, there are times when the Tube becomes too noisy, the streets too congested, and crowds are omnipresent. Fortunately, London is at the center of a fantastic network of trains and coaches, making it simple to escape the city for a weekend.
My favorite destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, replete with history and student-friendly locations. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, providing a lovely day out, especially during the summer.
In summary, London is a dynamic city overflowing with opportunities and places to uncover, so take your time to explore everything it has to offer during your time at Imperial!
For more information about my experiences, <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/Stories/my-imperial-story-em