Written by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
The decision to move from a rural island in Spain to Europe’s biggest city was overwhelming. Nevertheless, the last 18 months since relocating to London have been the most enriching and pleasurable of my life.
London is an energetic, diverse, historic metropolis with a plethora of dining options, events, and attractions – each exploration turns into an adventure! However, adapting to life in a foreign country can present challenges. Here are some insights I gained while transitioning to London as an international student, along with advice and tips for after you’ve settled in.
Adapting to London as a Graduate Student
The first step in moving to London is selecting the ideal place to call home. Via Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I investigated different areas of London that looked appealing to live in. I found out that Camden Town has a bustling nightlife, Hackney is a developing area in east London, and Putney offers a peaceful, green residential environment.
I was lucky to visit London prior to starting my Master’s program, which allowed me to personally explore these neighborhoods before choosing where to reside. After deciding on Putney, my flatmates (whom I connected with during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate affordable shared housing, arranged online viewings with property owners, and ultimately found a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Exploring London
Once you’ve settled in and decorated your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events lie ahead – the difficulty of living in London is deciding which activities to engage in and making time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is located in the Albertopolis district, an area dedicated to art, industry, 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 visit, with some remaining open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, turning the museum into a vibrant event with drinks and live music!
Apart from exploring museums, I love wandering around East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is rich in historical and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal place to stroll and uncover new experiences. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – developed on an old canning warehouse, it now accommodates a Series B startup creating temporary structures from shipping containers. The site celebrates innovative manufacturing and houses several art studios, along with the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining in London
London has many great deals if you know where to search, with countless options for delicious yet budget-friendly food. Throughout my time in the city, I have put together a list of eateries offering various deals across London, making dining out more economical.
One such eatery is located in South Kensington, where a seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers has an Oyster Happy Hour, allowing you to savor oysters for only £1 each! This is an incredible offer, especially if you long for the taste of seafood from home and wish to treat yourself to oysters without overspending!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its diverse food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are large indoor street food venues presenting a wide range of cuisines. If you’re looking for food that reminds you of home, I highly suggest checking out the food markets in Tooting!
Getting Away from the City
While the hustle and bustle are part of London’s allure, there are moments when the Tube gets too noisy, the streets too crowded, and the throngs too overwhelming. Fortunately, London is well-connected with an extensive network of trains and coaches, making it easy to escape the city for a weekend.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and student-friendly attractions. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, which makes for a delightful day trip, especially during the summer.
Overall, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take the time to experience all that the city has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To find out more about my journey, <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/Stories/my-imperial-story-emilio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener