Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was quite intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have proven to be the most rewarding and exhilarating of my existence.
London is a dynamic, diverse, and historic metropolis offering a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions – exploring it is eternally an adventure! However, acclimating to life in a foreign country can present its hurdles. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, coupled with advice and tips for settling in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step for moving to London is identifying the perfect residence. I turned to Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate different London neighborhoods. I uncovered Camden Town’s vibrant nightlife, Hackney’s budding cultural scene, and Putney’s serene, green residential atmosphere.
Having visited London prior to my Master’s, I ventured into these neighborhoods personally before settling on Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate years) and I utilized platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, arranged digital viewings, and ultimately found a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve established yourself, a myriad of opportunities and events beckons – the difficulty lies in selecting which activities to partake in and managing your time accordingly!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus sits in the Albertopolis region, a locale that honors art, industry, and science. Nearby, you’ll find remarkable museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to visit, with some extending their hours on Fridays. The V&A even hosts a V&A Late on the final Friday of every month, transforming the museum into a mini rave featuring drinks and live performances!
In addition to museums, I love discovering East London districts like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich in historical and artistic treasures. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf, situated on a former canning warehouse, now home to a startup that constructs temporary structures from shipping containers. It promotes creative manufacturing and is home to art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London has excellent deals if you know where to seek them, providing numerous options for affordable yet delicious food. I’ve compiled a list of eateries with specials throughout the city, making dining out more accessible.
One such establishment is located in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers hosts an Oyster Happy Hour offering oysters for merely £1 each! It’s a fantastic bargain, especially if you’re longing for home seafood and want to indulge in oysters galore!
Tooting in South London is well-known for its culinary landscape. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing an array of cuisines. If you’re in search of food reminiscent of home, I strongly recommend exploring Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a breather from the hustle and bustle
While the rhythm of London captivates, there are times when the Tube becomes overly noisy, or the streets too crowded. Luckily, London’s superb train and coach network simplifies escaping the city for a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England brimming with history and accommodating spots for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.
In summary, London is a vibrant city teeming with opportunities and places to discover, so take the time to explore all it has to offer during your tenure at Imperial!
To learn more about my adventures, read my Imperial story.