Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the decision to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was quite overwhelming. However, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling of my life.
London is an energetic, diverse, and historic metropolis that boasts a vast selection of restaurants, events, and attractions – discovering it is always an exhilarating experience! Still, adapting to life in a foreign country can pose its challenges. Here are some insights I gained while relocating to London as an international student, along with tips and recommendations for after you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the ideal place to call your home. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and various online forums, I examined different neighborhoods in London that might be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town has a lively nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney offers a peaceful, green residential environment.
Having visited London prior to commencing my Master’s, I explored these locales in person before choosing where to live. I ultimately chose Putney, and my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to seek out budget-friendly house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and discovered a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After you’ve settled in, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits – the challenge lies in selecting which activities to partake in and finding time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus resides in the Albertopolis district, an area that honors art, production, and science. Close by are fantastic museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are wonderful to explore, with some remaining open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, an open gathering featuring drinks and live music!
In addition to museums, I enjoy discovering East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich in history and artistic endeavors, making it an excellent place to stroll. My preferred location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – constructed on the site of an old canning warehouse, it now hosts a startup focused on creating temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates innovative manufacturing and contains art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents great deals if you know where to search, offering plenty of options for affordable, delicious meals. I’ve compiled a list of dining spots with discounts throughout the city, making dining out more economical.
A notable spot is located in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour with oysters priced at £1 each! This is an excellent offer, particularly if you’re longing for the taste of home-cooked seafood.
Tooting in South London is also famous for its dining scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets featuring a variety of cuisines. If you’re seeking food reminiscent of home, check out the Tooting food markets!
Taking a break from the urban bustle
While the pace of the city contributes to London’s allure, at times the Tube can be excessively loud or the streets overly crowded. Luckily, London benefits from a superb train and coach network, making it easy to retreat for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is an enchanting medieval town rich in history and has plenty of student-friendly locations. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer excursion.
In summary, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and sites to discover, so take your time to explore everything it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
If you want to learn more about my experiences, check out my Imperial story.