Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe felt overwhelming. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and delightful of my existence.
London is an eclectic, multicultural, historical, and dynamic city boasting a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions – delving into it is perpetually an adventure! However, acclimating to life in a different country can pose challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student relocating to London, along with helpful tips and recommendations for when you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate scholar
The initial step in relocating to London is securing the ideal place to call home. By utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and various online forums, I researched different neighborhoods throughout London that might be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town has a bustling nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney is a serene, green residential neighborhood.
I was lucky to have visited London prior to starting my Master’s, which allowed me to experience these areas firsthand before choosing where to reside. After settling on Putney, my flatmates (whom I had met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and ultimately discovered a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve unpacked and personalized your new space, a myriad of opportunities and events lie ahead – the difficulty of residing in London is selecting which activities to partake in and finding the time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a locale that celebrates the arts, manufacturing, and science. Close by, you’ll encounter an array of remarkable museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to explore, with some remaining open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, a lively event where the museum becomes a mini rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I savor discovering East London regions such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich in historical and artistic sites, making it an enchanting place to stroll and explore. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf – established on a former canning factory, it now features a startup innovating temporary structures made from shipping containers. The site celebrates creative manufacturing and includes several art studios, as well as the original lighthouse laboratory where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London boasts numerous deals if you know where to seek, with plenty of options for affordable yet exceptional cuisine. During my stay in London, I’ve curated a list of dining spots that offer various deals throughout the city, making eating out more economical.
One notable place is in South Kensington, where an incredible seafood restaurant named Wright Brothers has an Oyster Happy Hour, letting you relish oysters for just £1 each! This is an incredible bargain, particularly if you long for the flavors of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and wallet’s) content!
Tooting in South London is also famed for its vibrant food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets presenting a diverse range of cuisines. If you are looking for food that evokes feelings of home, I wholeheartedly suggest checking out the Tooting food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
While the city’s tempo is a key element of London’s allure, at times the Tube may become excessively loud, or the streets overly congested, with crowds in every direction. Thankfully, London is centrally connected to an excellent network of trains and coaches, enabling easy escapes from the city for a weekend.
My preferred destinations for visits are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a charming medieval town in southern England, rich in history and accommodating for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) operates a large botanical garden in Wisley, a splendid day trip, especially during summer.
In summary, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to uncover everything it has to offer while you are at Imperial!
For more about my experiences, <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/Stories/my-imperial-story-emilio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener