Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe felt overwhelming. Nonetheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and exhilarating of my life.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, historic metropolis offering a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions – discovering it is always a thrilling experience! However, adjusting to life in a new country can be difficult. Below are some insights I gained from relocating to London as an international student, along with a few recommendations for activities once you are settled.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in moving to London is securing the ideal place to call home. Through Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I investigated different areas of London. I learned about Camden Town’s vibrant nightlife, Hackney’s rising scene, and Putney’s tranquil, green residential atmosphere.
Having toured London prior to my Master’s, I visited these neighborhoods personally before selecting Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation websites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to find reasonable house shares, organized online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
After settling in, a multitude of opportunities and events present themselves – the challenge lies in selecting which activities to engage in while managing your time effectively!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood honoring art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby are fantastic museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are delightful to explore, and some extend their hours on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a lively event with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I love discovering East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is brimming with historical and artistic attractions. My favorite site is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup producing temporary structures from shipping containers. It celebrates innovative manufacturing and features art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday performed his work!
Dining out in London
London boasts great deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for tasty yet affordable food. I’ve put together a list of dining locations featuring bargains throughout the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour with oysters for £1 each! It’s an excellent offer, particularly if you crave seafood from home.
Tooting in South London is renowned for its food culture. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing diverse cuisines. If you seek food that evokes memories of home, check out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a break from the urban hustle
While the charm of London’s urban pace is delightful, sometimes the Tube can be too noisy or the streets too congested. Fortunately, London is well-connected by trains and coaches, making weekend getaways easy.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a picturesque medieval town in southern England, rich in history and friendly for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer day out.
In summary, London is a lively city abundant with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to explore all that it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
For more about my experiences, check out my Imperial story.