Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a tranquil 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 existence.
London is an energetic, multicultural, and historic metropolis brimming with a diverse selection of eateries, events, and attractions—navigating it is perpetually an adventure! However, acclimating to life in a different nation can pose its challenges. Here are a few insights I gained as an international student in London, along with some advice for making the adjustment.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial phase of relocating to London involves finding the ideal residence. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and various online forums to investigate different districts in London. I came across Camden Town’s bustling nightlife, Hackney’s up-and-coming atmosphere, and Putney’s serene, green suburban feel.
Having previously traveled to London prior to commencing my Master’s, I personally explored these neighborhoods before opting for Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I leveraged accommodation platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to hunt for budget-friendly house shares, coordinated online viewings with landlords, and discovered a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After you’ve settled in, a plethora of events and opportunities await—deciding which activities to engage in and carving out time for them is the real challenge in London!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis district, renowned for its emphasis on art, manufacturing, and science. Close by, you can visit the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are wonderful to investigate, with some offering late hours on Fridays. The V&A hosts a V&A Late on the final Friday of every month, transforming the museum into an energetic party featuring drinks and live music!
In addition to museums, I revel in exploring East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is steeped in history and artistic ventures, making it an excellent area for exploration. My top choice is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on an old canning warehouse, now housing a startup that creates temporary structures using shipping containers. It honors creative manufacturing and accommodates several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London boasts excellent food offers if you understand where to seek them out. I’ve compiled a list of dining venues featuring diverse deals throughout the city, making eating out more economical.
One notable location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers presents an Oyster Happy Hour with oysters priced at just £1 each—a remarkable offer, particularly if you long for the flavors of home seafood!
Tooting in South London is likewise renowned for its culinary culture. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing a variety of cuisines. If you’re searching for food reminiscent of home, I highly endorse exploring Tooting’s food markets!
Escaping the city
While London’s urban lifestyle contributes to its allure, there are times when the Tube becomes overwhelming or the streets overly congested. Thankfully, London has efficient train and coach services that facilitate quick getaways from the city for a weekend.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a picturesque medieval town in southern England, rich in history and accommodating to students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for an outing on a summer day.
All in all, London is a lively city teeming with chances and places to explore, so take your time to uncover everything it delivers during your stay at Imperial!
For further insights into my experiences, read my Imperial story.