Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nonetheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling of my life.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, and historic metropolis with a vast selection of restaurants, events, and attractions—navigating it is always a thrilling journey! However, adapting to a new country can pose challenges. Below are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with tips and advice for settling in smoothly.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is finding the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate different London neighborhoods that could be enjoyable to reside in. Camden Town is famed for its lively nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney offers a serene, green residential vibe.
I was lucky enough to visit London before starting my Master’s program, which allowed me to personally explore these neighborhoods before settling on a place to live. After deciding on Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to find cost-effective house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you are settled, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits—living in London means having a multitude of activities to choose from and finding ways to fit them all in!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is located in the Albertopolis area, a district dedicated to celebrating art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, you’ll find fantastic museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are excellent for exploration, and some offer late-night openings on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, turning the museum into a mini rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to museums, I love exploring East London areas such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is rich in historical and artistic projects, making it an excellent locale for walking and discovering new sights. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on a former canning warehouse, now home to a startup designing temporary structures from shipping containers. This complex celebrates innovative manufacturing and houses several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining in London
London has great deals if you know where to seek them, with numerous options for budget-friendly yet delicious food. During my stay in London, I compiled a list of eateries with various discounts throughout the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One notable place is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for just £1 each! It’s an incredible deal, especially if you’re craving the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and wallet’s) content!
Tooting in South London is also famed for its culinary culture. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets presenting a wide array of cuisines. If you’re in the mood for food reminiscent of home, I highly recommend checking out the Tooting food markets!
Taking a break from urban life
While the city’s energy is part of London’s allure, sometimes the Tube can be too noisy, or the streets overly crowded. Fortunately, London has excellent train and coach connections, making it easy to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My preferred getaway spots are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, brimming with history and student-friendly locations. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer day outing.
Overall, London is a lively metropolis full of opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover everything the city has to offer during your time at Imperial!
To discover more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.