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 proven to be the most rewarding and enjoyable of my existence.
London is a multicultural, diverse, historic, and energetic city, offering a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions—navigating it is always an exciting expedition! However, acclimating to a new country can come with its challenges. Here are some insights I’ve gained as an international student in London, along with suggestions on what to do once you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in moving to London is locating the perfect place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to investigate different neighborhoods in London that could be enjoyable to reside in. I found out that Camden Town has a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney offers a peaceful, green residential environment.
Having previously visited London before beginning my Master’s, I had the opportunity to visit these neighborhoods personally before making my decision. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I employed accommodation websites such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to search for economical house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve settled in and personalized your new space, a realm of possibilities and events lies ahead—the real challenge in London is choosing which activities to participate in and carving out time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are fantastic museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are excellent for exploration, with some open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A organizes a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a small party featuring drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I relish discovering East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is teeming with historical and artistic ventures, rendering it a delightful locale for strolling and uncovering hidden gems. My preferred location is Trinity Buoy Wharf—established on an old canning warehouse, it now houses a startup that fabricates temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex honors creative manufacturing and is home to art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday carried out his work!
Dining out in London
London provides great values if you know where to search, with numerous choices for inexpensive yet fantastic meals. Throughout my stay in London, I’ve compiled a list of dining locations with various deals around the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One such location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, allowing you to savor oysters for merely £1 each! It’s an unbeatable offer, especially if you miss the flavors of home seafood.
Tooting in South London is also recognized for its vibrant food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets featuring a diverse range of cuisines. If you’re looking for dishes that remind you of home, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring Tooting’s food markets!
Escaping the city
While the city’s rhythm contributes to London’s allure, there are moments when the Tube becomes too noisy or the streets too congested. Luckily, London sits at the center of an excellent network of trains and coaches, facilitating easy escapes for a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and offering student-friendly locations. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, making for a delightful outing, especially during the summer.
All in all, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover everything it has to offer during your time at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, check out my Imperial story.