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 quite intimidating. Yet, the last 18 months spent in London have proven to be the most fulfilling and enjoyable period of my life.
London is a multifaceted, multicultural, historic, and lively city boasting an array of restaurants, events, and attractions – every exploration feels like a new adventure! However, adapting to life in a different country can prove to be a challenge. Here are some insights I gained while relocating to London as an international student, along with useful tips and recommendations for adjusting.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in moving to London involves selecting the ideal place to call your own. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to research various neighborhoods in London that might offer an enjoyable living experience. I found that Camden Town has an energetic nightlife, Hackney is a growing area in east London, and Putney is a serene and green residential neighborhood.
I was lucky to visit London before commencing my Master’s program, which gave me the opportunity to explore these areas firsthand before making my decision on where to live. After opting for Putney, my flatmates (whom I met in my undergraduate studies) and I used accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate economical house shares, arranged virtual viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After settling in and personalizing your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events await – the challenge in London lies in selecting which activities to participate in and allocating time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Close by, you’ll find fantastic museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are wonderful to explore, and some even offer late-night hours on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, an open party where the museum transforms into a small rave featuring drinks and live music!
In addition to visiting museums, I love exploring East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich with historical and artistic sites, making it a delightful place to stroll and discover. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – originally built on an old canning warehouse, it now houses a startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates creative craftsmanship and features several art studios, as well as the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London is overflowing with amazing deals if you know where to look, with plenty of options for reasonably priced yet fantastic food. Throughout my stay in London, I’ve compiled a list of eateries offering various deals across the city, making going out to eat more budget-friendly.
One such place is located in South Kensington, where there’s a seafood restaurant named Wright Brothers offering an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just £1 each! It’s an incredible bargain, especially if you’re longing for the taste of fresh seafood from home and wish to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and wallet’s) content!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing a wide array of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that evokes memories of home, I highly recommend checking out the Tooting food markets!
Taking a break from the city
While the lively atmosphere is part of London’s appeal, sometimes the Tube can be overwhelming or the streets too congested, with crowds all around. Thankfully, London is centrally located within a fantastic network of trains and coaches, making it simple to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and friendly for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is home to a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which makes for a wonderful outing, particularly in the summer.
All in all, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to explore all that the city has to offer during your stay at Imperial!