Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the decision to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was overwhelming. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have proven to be the most rewarding and exhilarating of my life.
London is a rich, multicultural, historic, and lively city boasting an extensive selection of restaurants, events, and attractions – exploring it is always an exhilarating experience! Yet, adapting to life in a foreign country can pose its challenges. Here are some insights I gained while moving to London as an international student, along with a few tips and recommendations for when you get settled.
Relocating to London as a graduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is finding the ideal place to call home. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I explored various London neighborhoods that might be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town has a bustling nightlife, Hackney is an emerging area in east London, and Putney provides a peaceful, green residential environment.
I was lucky enough to visit London prior to starting my Master’s, which allowed me to explore these neighborhoods firsthand before making a living arrangement decision. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I used housing search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to discover affordable shared accommodations, arranged online viewings with landlords, and discovered a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve unpacked and set up your new home, a universe of opportunities and events awaits – the difficulty in London lies in choosing which activities to engage in and finding the time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood dedicated to art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby are fantastic museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These venues are wonderful to explore, and some remain open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A organizes a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a vibrant gathering with beverages and live performances!
In addition to museum visits, I love to roam around East London areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The region is rich with historical and artistic projects, making it an excellent place to stroll and uncover. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup crafting temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates innovative manufacturing and hosts various art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday worked!
Dining in London
London has great deals if you know where to seek, with plenty of options for cheap yet delicious meals. Throughout my time in London, I’ve put together a list of eateries with specials across the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One such place is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for only £1 each! This is an incredible bargain, particularly if you’re longing for the taste of home seafood and want to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and wallet’s) delight!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing a wide range of cuisines. If you’re after food that brings back memories of home, I highly suggest checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking time away from the bustling city
Although the city’s pace is part of London’s allure, at times the Tube can become overwhelmingly loud or the streets excessively congested. Thankfully, London sits at the center of an excellent network of trains and coaches, making it simple to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England rich with history and student-friendly locations. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden located in Wisley, a delightful day trip, especially during the summer months.
Overall, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time exploring everything it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, check out my Imperial story.