Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the decision to move from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was a considerable task. Nevertheless, the last 18 months spent in London have proven to be the most rewarding and enjoyable period of my life.
London is a lively, multicultural, historically rich city boasting a diverse selection of restaurants, events, and attractions—every exploration is an adventure! However, acclimatizing to a new country can be quite daunting. Below are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with helpful settling-in tips.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the ideal place to live. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online discussion boards to investigate different London neighborhoods. I learned about Camden Town’s bustling nightlife, Hackney’s developing scene, and Putney’s tranquil, green residential areas.
Having visited London prior to embarking on my Master’s, I explored these areas firsthand before settling on Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during undergraduate studies) and I used platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, arranged virtual viewings with landlords, and secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After settling in, a plethora of opportunities and events presents itself—deciding which activities to participate in and how to find time for them is the real challenge!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus lies in the Albertopolis district, a region celebrating art, industry, and science. The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum are all within reach, offering wonderful explorations, with some remaining open late on Fridays. The V&A even features a V&A Late on the final Friday of each month, transforming the museum into a lively gathering with drinks and live entertainment!
Aside from museums, I love wandering through East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs, rich in history and artistic initiatives. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, situated on an old canning warehouse, currently home to a startup crafting temporary structures from shipping containers. It is a hub of creative manufacturing and houses art studios along with the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London provides great deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for affordable yet fantastic meals. I’ve created a list of food venues with discounts throughout the city to make dining out more economical.
One such venue is located in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers presents an Oyster Happy Hour featuring oysters for just £1 each—a fantastic bargain for seafood enthusiasts longing for home!
Tooting in South London is renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets offering a variety of cuisines. If you’re in search of flavors reminiscent of home, don’t miss Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
Although the pulse of London is enchanting, there are times when the Tube can be overwhelming or the streets excessively crowded. Luckily, London’s train and coach network provides convenient access to escape the city for weekends.
My favorite getaway spots are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a picturesque medieval town in southern England with a rich history and friendly student locales. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society’s expansive botanical garden in Wisley offers a delightful day out during the summer.
All in all, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so be sure to take your time uncovering all it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, check out my Imperial story.