Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and exhilarating of my life.
London is a lively, multicultural, historic, and vibrant city with an extensive selection of dining options, events, and attractions – navigating it is always an experience! However, adapting to life in a new country can be tough. Here are some insights I gained during my transition to London as an international student, along with advice on what to do once you have settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is discovering the right place to call your home. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online communities, I investigated various London neighborhoods that could be enjoyable to live in. I uncovered the lively nightlife of Camden Town, Hackney’s emerging atmosphere, and Putney’s peaceful, green residential setting.
Having been to London prior to my Master’s, I personally explored these neighborhoods before selecting Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I used platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate reasonably priced house shares, arranged online viewings, and secured a pleasant flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve made yourself at home, a plethora of opportunities and events are waiting – the difficulty in London lies in selecting which activities to partake in and carving out time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus resides in the Albertopolis district, which celebrates art, technology, and science. Close by are fantastic museums such as the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A Museum. These institutions are wonderful to explore, with some remaining open late on Fridays. The V&A even hosts a V&A Late on the last Friday of each month, transforming the museum into a vibrant celebration with drinks and live music!
In addition to museums, I relish discovering East London districts like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich with historical and artistic spots, perfect for wandering to see what you might uncover. My favorite is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on a former canning warehouse, now home to a startup creating temporary structures using shipping containers. It’s a center of creative manufacturing featuring art studios and the original lighthouse laboratory where Michael Faraday conducted his research!
Dining out in London
London has plenty of deals if you know where to seek them, offering numerous options for delicious yet affordable meals. I’ve compiled a list of dining establishments across the city that feature great bargains, making dining out more economical.
One location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just £1 each! It’s an unbeatable offer, especially if you long for the taste of home-cooked seafood.
Tooting in South London is celebrated for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food venues showcasing diverse cuisines. If you’re in search of flavors reminiscent of home, make sure to check out the food markets in Tooting!
Escaping the city for a while
While the vibrancy of London is captivating, there are times when the Tube feels overwhelmingly noisy or the streets too congested. Fortunately, London is well-linked by trains and coaches, making weekend getaways a breeze.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and with many student-friendly locales. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) maintains a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer excursion.
In summary, London is a bustling city with limitless opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover all it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
For more insights into my experiences, read my Imperial story.