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 quite intimidating. However, the previous 18 months spent in London have proven to be the most rewarding and thrilling of my existence.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, historical metropolis featuring a vast selection of restaurants, events, and attractions – navigating it is forever an adventure! Nevertheless, adjusting to life in a foreign country can present its challenges. Here are some insights I’ve gained while moving to London as an international student, along with a few suggestions on what to do once you’ve made yourself at home.
Relocating to London as a graduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate various areas in London that might suit my lifestyle. I found out that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a growing neighborhood in east London, and Putney offers a serene, green residential environment.
I was lucky to visit London prior to commencing my Master’s program, which allowed me to personally explore these neighborhoods before making a decision on where to reside. After settling on Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I employed accommodation platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to seek out budget-friendly house shares, organized online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve become comfortable and personalized your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits – the challenge in London lies in choosing which activities to partake in and finding the time to experience them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus resides in the Albertopolis area, a sector 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 a pleasure to visit, and some even extend their hours on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A holds a V&A Late, an open gathering where the museum morphs into a mini rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I find joy in exploring East London, including areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The region is replete with historical gems and artistic ventures, making it an enchanting place to stroll and uncover. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – established on an old canning warehouse, it now serves as a base for a startup creating temporary structures from shipping containers. The site honors creative manufacturing and features several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his experiments!
Dining out in London
London provides great discounts if you know where to search, with numerous choices for reasonably priced yet tasty food. Throughout my time in London, I have compiled a list of eateries with various deals throughout the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One such place is in South Kensington, where a seafood restaurant named Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, with each oyster costing just £1! This is an excellent deal, particularly if you long for the flavors of home seafood and wish to revel in oysters!
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 diverse array of cuisines. If you’re in search of food reminiscent of home, I highly recommend checking out the Tooting food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
While the city’s pace is part of London’s allure, sometimes the Tube becomes overly noisy, or the streets too bustling, with crowds everywhere. Luckily, London benefits from an extensive network of trains and coaches, making it simple to escape the city for a weekend.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town located in southern England, rich in history and friendly spots for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which offers a delightful day out, especially during the summer.
In summary, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and locations to explore, so take your time to uncover all it has to offer during your experience at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.