Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc in Applied Mathematics
Making the leap from the tranquil countryside of a rural Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months since moving to London have been the most gratifying and enjoyable of my existence.
London stands as a diverse, multicultural, historic, and dynamic city, boasting an extensive range of dining options, events, and attractions – any exploration can turn into an adventure! Yet, adapting to the routine of a new nation can be tough. Here are some insights I gained while relocating to London as an international student, along with tips and recommendations for when you get settled.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in transitioning to London is securing an appropriate place to call home. By utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I investigated different London neighborhoods that could be exciting to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts an energetic nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning area in east London, and Putney offers a peaceful, green residential environment.
Having previously visited London before starting my Master’s program, I had the chance to personally explore these neighborhoods prior to making my final choice. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I connected with during my undergraduate studies) and I used accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, scheduled virtual viewings with landlords, and ultimately discovered a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
After you’ve unpacked and adorned your new space, a realm of possibilities and events lies ahead – the difficulty in London is deciding which activities to partake in and finding the time to engage in them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis district, an area that honors art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are spectacular museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are wonderful to explore, with some open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A organizes a V&A Late event, turning the museum into a small rave with beverages and live music!
Apart from visiting museums, I relish checking out East London areas such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is brimming with historical landmarks and artistic initiatives, making it a delightful locale to stroll and uncover surprises. My preferred location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – erected on an old canning warehouse, it is now home to a Series B startup that fabricates temporary structures from shipping containers. The site celebrates creative manufacturing and houses several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents great deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for affordable yet high-quality cuisine. During my stay in London, I have assembled a list of eateries offering various discounts throughout the city, making dining out more economical.
One such eatery is located in South Kensington, where you’ll find an exceptional seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers featuring an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for merely £1 each! This is an excellent bargain, particularly if you crave the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters without breaking the bank!
Tooting in South London is similarly renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are large indoor street food marketplaces showcasing a wide array of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that evokes memories of home, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring the Tooting culinary markets!
Taking a break from the city
While the hustle and bustle of the city adds to London’s allure, there are times when the Tube becomes too noisy, or the streets feel overly congested with crowds. Thankfully, London is well-connected to an excellent train and coach network, allowing for easy escapes from the city for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, steeped in history and boasting plenty of student-friendly spots. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which is ideal for a summer outing.
All in all, London is a bustling city brimming with opportunities and destinations to explore, so take your time to uncover all it has to offer during your time at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, read my Imperial story.