Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Moving 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 enjoyable period of my life.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, historical metropolis with an extensive array of restaurants, events, and attractions—discovering it is always an adventure! Yet, adapting to life in a foreign country can be tough. Here are some insights I gained while relocating to London as an international student, along with advice and recommendations for settling in.
Relocating to London as a graduate student
The initial phase of moving to London is identifying the right place to call home. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and community forums, I investigated various London neighborhoods that might be exciting to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts lively nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney is a tranquil, green residential community.
I was lucky to visit London before commencing my Master’s, which allowed me to explore these neighborhoods in person prior to making a living choice. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I used accommodation platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to discover affordable house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve gotten comfortable and set up your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events lies ahead—residing in London means deciding which activities to engage in and carving out time for them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby are remarkable museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to explore, with some staying open late on Fridays. The V&A even organizes a V&A Late on the last Friday of each month, transforming the museum into a small festivity with beverages and live performances!
In addition to visiting museums, I love wandering through East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich in historical and artistic sites, providing a superb backdrop for walking and uncovering new experiences. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf—formerly an old canning warehouse, it now hosts a startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates creative manufacturing and features numerous art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London has great deals if you know where to search, with countless options for budget-friendly yet delectable food. Throughout my stay in London, I’ve compiled a list of dining places with offers that make eating out more economical.
One such location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for just £1 each! This is an excellent bargain, particularly if you yearn for the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters without overspending!
Tooting in South London is also recognized for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing a variety of cuisines. If you seek food that evokes memories of home, I strongly advise checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
Although the city’s rhythm is part of London’s allure, at times the Tube becomes excessively loud, the streets overly hectic, and crowds abound. Fortunately, London is well-linked by trains and coaches, facilitating easy escapes from the city on weekends.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and featuring student-friendly spots. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.
In summary, London is a vibrant city filled with opportunities and locations to explore, so take your time to uncover everything it has to offer during your time at Imperial!
To discover more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.