Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
The choice to relocate from a rural Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was overwhelming. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling chapter of my life.
London is a dynamic, diverse, historical metropolis with a vast selection of restaurants, events, and attractions—navigating it is always an adventure! However, adapting to life in a new country can pose its challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with suggestions for acclimating.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate scholar
The initial step in moving to London involves identifying the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate various neighborhoods in London. I found Camden Town’s energetic nightlife, Hackney’s growing appeal, and Putney’s serene, green residential atmosphere.
Having visited London prior to commencing my Master’s, I toured these areas firsthand before deciding on Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, arranged virtual viewings, and ultimately secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
After settling in, a plethora of opportunities and events beckons—the challenge lies in selecting which activities to pursue and carving out time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in Albertopolis, a precinct that showcases art, manufacturing, and science. Close by, you’ll discover the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum—all are excellent for exploration, with some open late on Fridays. The V&A even hosts a V&A Late on the final Friday of each month, transforming into a vibrant celebration with drinks and live performances!
Beyond museums, I take pleasure in discovering East London locations like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This locale is steeped in history and artistic endeavors, making it a pleasurable area to stroll. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on a former canning warehouse, now home to a startup producing temporary structures from shipping containers. It promotes creative manufacturing and contains several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday operated!
Dining out in London
London provides fantastic food deals if you know where to search. I’ve compiled a list of budget-friendly eateries with discounts throughout the city.
One such location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers presents an Oyster Happy Hour featuring oysters at just £1 each—a superb offer, especially if you long for the taste of home seafood!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets offering a diverse range of cuisines. If you’re in search of flavors that remind you of home, I highly suggest checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Escaping the city
Though London’s urban life is delightful, sometimes the Tube becomes too noisy or the streets overly congested. Thankfully, London’s exceptional train and bus network makes it simple to get away for a weekend.
My favorite getaways are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and student-friendly hangouts. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, perfect for a summer day trip.
In short, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to unearth all it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my adventures, check out my Imperial story.