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 intimidating. However, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and pleasurable period of my existence.
London is an energetic, multicultural, historical, and lively city boasting a diverse array of restaurants, events, and attractions—every exploration is an adventure! Nevertheless, adjusting to life in a foreign country can pose challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with a few tips and recommendations for when you’re settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial task in moving to London is finding the ideal place to reside. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to investigate various neighborhoods in London that might be appealing to live in. I learned that Camden Town features a bustling nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney is a serene, green residential locale.
I was lucky to visit London before commencing my Master’s, enabling me to explore these neighborhoods firsthand before making my relocation decision. I opted for Putney, and together with my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies), we utilized accommodation websites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to search for budget-friendly house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve settled in and furnished your new space, a vast array of opportunities and events is at your fingertips—the challenge in London lies in selecting which activities to engage in and finding the time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in Albertopolis, a district that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, there are fantastic museums such as 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 every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a small rave with beverages and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I love discovering East London areas such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is rich in historical and artistic landmarks, making it an enjoyable area to stroll around. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf—constructed on the site of an old canning warehouse, it now houses a startup that creates temporary constructions from shipping containers. The complex highlights creative manufacturing and accommodates art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents excellent food deals if you know where to search. Throughout my stay here, I’ve compiled a list of dining locations with various specials spread across the city, making eating out more economical.
One such location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just £1 each! This is an incredible bargain, particularly if you’re longing for seafood from your homeland.
Tooting in South London is also famed for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are large indoor street food markets offering an extensive range of cuisines. If you seek food that evokes memories of home, I highly recommend exploring Tooting’s food markets!
Escaping the city
While the city’s tempo is part of London’s allure, occasionally the Tube becomes too noisy, or the streets too congested. Luckily, London’s superb train and coach networks make it convenient to get away from the city for a weekend.
My favorite destinations to visit include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a lovely medieval town in southern England, steeped in history and featuring student-friendly spots. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) hosts an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, perfect for a summer excursion.
All in all, London is a lively city teeming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to uncover everything it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, read my Imperial story.