Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to transition from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months spent in London have proven to be the most rewarding and enjoyable of my existence.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, historical, and spirited city with a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions – exploring it is perpetually an adventure! However, adapting to life in a foreign country can be tough. Here are several insights I gained as an international student in London, along with some advice and recommendations for when you have settled down.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is discovering the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate various London neighborhoods that might be enjoyable to live in. I uncovered Camden Town’s lively nightlife, Hackney’s burgeoning scene in east London, and Putney’s serene, green residential environment.
I was lucky to visit London prior to commencing my Master’s degree, allowing me to explore these neighborhoods firsthand before selecting my new home. I opted for Putney, and alongside my flatmates (whom I met in undergrad), we utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate suitable house shares, coordinated online viewings with landlords, and eventually discovered a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve settled in and personalized your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events beckon – the difficulty in London lies in deciding which activities to partake in and managing your time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis neighborhood, an area honoring art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, a collection of marvelous museums awaits, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums offer fantastic exploration opportunities, and some even remain open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, a public party where the museum transforms into a mini rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to visiting museums, I relish exploring East London areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is filled with historical pockets and artistic endeavors, creating a charming place to stroll and stumble upon unexpected treasures. My favorite place is Trinity Buoy Wharf – constructed on an ancient canning warehouse, it now houses a Series B startup creating temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates creative manufacturing and is home to several art studios, as well as the original lighthouse lab where English chemist and physicist Michael Faraday worked!
Dining out in London
London offers excellent deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for affordable yet delectable cuisine. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of dining spots featuring various specials across the city, making meals out more budget-friendly.
One such location is in South Kensington, where a superb seafood establishment named Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour, letting you enjoy oysters for only £1 each! It’s an incredible deal, especially if you’re longing for the taste of home-cooked seafood and wish to indulge in oysters without overspending!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary culture. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets offering a wide array of cuisines. If you’re in search of food reminiscent of home, I strongly recommend exploring the Tooting food markets!
Taking a getaway from the city
While the city’s tempo contributes to London’s allure, at times the Tube can become excessively loud, the streets overly congested, and crowds omnipresent. Luckily, London is centrally positioned within an excellent network of trains and coaches, making it convenient to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations 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) features an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, which is a delightful outing, especially during summer.
In summary, London is a lively city teeming with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover everything the city has to present while attending Imperial!
To explore more about my experiences, <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/Stories/my-imperial-story-emilio/" target="_blank" rel