Written by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the shift from the rustic charm of a rural Spanish island to the vastness of Europe’s largest metropolis was intimidating. Nonetheless, the last 18 months in London have proven to be the most rewarding and delightful period of my life.
London is a lively, multifaceted, historic, and ever-changing city brimming with a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions – exploring it is perpetually an adventure! However, acclimating to life in a different country can pose its challenges. Below are some insights I gained while relocating to London as an international student, paired with tips and suggestions for once you’ve settled in.
Moving to London as a Postgraduate Student
The first step to relocating to London is identifying the right place to call your own. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online communities, I researched various neighborhoods in London that might offer a pleasant living experience. I uncovered Camden Town’s lively nightlife, Hackney’s burgeoning scene, and Putney’s serene, green residential atmosphere.
Having traveled to London prior to starting my Master’s program, I visited these neighborhoods firsthand before choosing Putney. My flatmates (whom I connected with during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized housing 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.
Things to Do in London
After you’ve settled in and personalized your living space, a realm of opportunities and events lies ahead – the challenge in London is selecting which activities to partake in and finding the time to do them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus sits in the Albertopolis area, a district that celebrates art, industry, and science. Nearby, you’ll find fantastic museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are enjoyable to explore, with some remaining open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A holds a V&A Late, transforming the museum into an exciting gathering spot with drinks and live music!
In addition to museums, I thoroughly enjoy discovering the East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is steeped in history and artistic initiatives, making it an enchanting location to stroll through. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf – once an old canning facility, it now accommodates a startup that creates temporary constructions from shipping containers. The site champions creative manufacturing and hosts numerous art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his research!
Eateries in London
London provides a multitude of affordable dining options if you know where to find them, with a variety of choices for delicious yet reasonably priced food. Throughout my tenure in London, I’ve compiled a list of eateries offering various deals throughout the city, making dining out more economical.
A notable spot in South Kensington is the Wright Brothers, which features an Oyster Happy Hour, letting you indulge in oysters for just £1 each! This is an incredible deal, especially if you’re longing for the flavors of home-cooked seafood.
Tooting in South London is also well-known for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets presenting a diverse range of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that evokes memories of home, I highly encourage you to check out Tooting’s food markets!
Getting Away from the City
While the urban life of London adds to its allure, there are moments when the Tube feels overly noisy, or the streets become excessively crowded. Fortunately, London boasts excellent train and coach connections, making it simple 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 appealing to students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a large botanical garden in Wisley, perfect for a sunny day out.
All in all, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time uncovering all it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
For more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.