Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Relocating from the rural landscapes of a Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last year and a half I’ve spent in London have proven to be the most rewarding and pleasurable period of my life.
London is an energetic, diverse, historical, and dynamic city with an extensive range of restaurants, events, and attractions – every exploration feels like an exciting journey! However, adjusting to life in a different country can present its challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student settling in London, along with advice and recommendations for when you’re established.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in moving to London involves finding the perfect place to reside. Utilizing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and online communities, I investigated various London neighborhoods that seemed appealing. I found that Camden Town boasts a lively nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning area in east London, and Putney offers a peaceful, green residential environment.
I was lucky to visit London prior to commencing my Master’s, enabling me to explore these areas directly before choosing my residence. I opted for Putney, and along with my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies), we utilized accommodation search websites such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate economical house shares, set up online viewings with landlords, and ultimately discovered a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After you’ve settled in and decorated your new home, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits you – the real challenge in London is selecting which activities to participate in and finding the time to enjoy them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district that celebrates art, industry, and science. Close by are remarkable museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These venues are fantastic to explore, with some remaining open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A organizes a V&A Late, an open event where the museum morphs into a mini rave featuring drinks and live music!
Besides visiting museums, I love discovering East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich with historical gems and artistic endeavors, making it a marvelous place to roam and uncover. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – established on the site of an old canning warehouse, it now hosts a Series B startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates creative manufacturing and contains several art studios, as well as the original lighthouse lab where the English chemist and physicist Michael Faraday worked!
Dining out in London
London has great deals if you know where to search, offering numerous choices for budget-friendly yet delicious food. Throughout my stay in London, I’ve compiled an extensive list of eateries with various discounts across the city, making dining out more economical.
One notable spot is located in South Kensington, where a superb seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for just £1 each! It’s an incredible deal, particularly if you’re craving the flavors of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters to your satisfaction!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are large indoor street food markets showcasing a diverse array of cuisines. If you’re in search of food reminiscent of home, I highly advise checking out the Tooting food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
Though the city’s pace is part of London’s allure, at times the Tube can be quite loud or the streets overly congested, with crowds everywhere. Fortunately, London is centrally located within a vast network of trains and buses, making it easy to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and accommodating for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, providing a delightful day out, especially during the summer.
Overall, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover all it has to offer during your tenure at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/Stories/my-imperial-story-emilio/" target="_blank"