Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the decision to transition from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Yet, the last 18 months in London have proven to be the most fulfilling and enjoyable of my life.
London is a culturally rich, diverse, historic, and lively city, offering an extensive array of restaurants, events, and sights – every exploration is an adventure! However, adapting to a new country comes with its hurdles. Here are some insights I gained as an international student relocating to London, along with a few recommendations for establishing yourself.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London involves finding the ideal place to live. Through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and online discussion boards, I looked into several neighborhoods in London that might be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts a lively nightlife, Hackney is an emerging area in east London, and Putney offers a tranquil and green living environment.
I was lucky to visit London before embarking on my Master’s program, giving me the chance to explore these areas firsthand prior to making my relocation choice. After settling on Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized rental websites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to seek out affordable shared accommodations, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a charming flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After you’ve gotten comfortable and personalized your new space, a plethora of chances and events await you – the real challenge in London lies in selecting which activities to engage in and making time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis region, an area dedicated to art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, you’ll find incredible museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These venues are wonderful to visit, with some even staying open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a lively affair with drinks and live entertainment!
In addition to visiting museums, I take pleasure in exploring East London districts like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich with historical and artistic initiatives, making it a fantastic place to stroll and uncover new delights. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – situated on a former canning warehouse, it now accommodates a Series B startup that creates temporary constructions from shipping containers. The site celebrates innovative manufacturing and features multiple art studios, as well as the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his research!
Dining out in London
London is teeming with bargains if you know where to search, offering countless options for delicious yet budget-friendly meals. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of eateries with various deals throughout the city, making dining out less expensive.
One such location is in South Kensington, where a seafood establishment called Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for just £1 each! It’s a fantastic deal, particularly if you’re yearning for the taste of fresh seafood from home and wish to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and budget’s) desire!
Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets offering a wide assortment of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that invokes nostalgia of home, I strongly suggest checking out the food markets in Tooting!
Taking a break from the city
While the city’s pulse is part of London’s appeal, there are times when the Tube becomes too raucous, or the streets are overwhelmed with crowds. Luckily, London is centrally located within a fantastic network of trains and coaches, making it easy to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a picturesque medieval town in southern England, rich in history and friendly to students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, which is a lovely day trip, especially during the summer months.
Ultimately, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to explore, so take the time to experience all it offers during your time at Imperial!
For more details about my experiences, <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/Stories/my-imperial-story-emilio/" target="_blank" rel="