Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Moving from the rural landscape of a Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nonetheless, the last 18 months spent in London have been the most rewarding and enjoyable of my life.
London is a dynamic, multicultural metropolis steeped in history, presenting a vast selection of restaurants, events, and attractions – navigating it is always an exciting journey! However, acclimating to life in a foreign country can be tough. Here are some insights I gained as an international student relocating to London, along with some recommendations and pointers for when you arrive.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step when relocating to London is securing the ideal residence. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate different neighborhoods in London that might be appealing for living. I found that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning area in east London, and Putney offers a tranquil, green residential environment.
Having traveled to London prior to starting my Master’s, I had the opportunity to visit these neighborhoods firsthand before making my housing choice. I opted for Putney, and along with my flatmates (whom I got to know during my undergraduate studies), we employed accommodation search platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to discover budget-friendly house shares, coordinated online viewings with landlords, and ultimately located a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve settled in and adorned your new space, a multitude of opportunities and events awaits – the real challenge in London is deciding which activities to engage in and allocating time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis district, a neighborhood that honors art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are fantastic museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These venues are wonderful for exploration, with some remaining open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, turning the museum into a lively celebration with drinks and live performances!
In addition to museum visits, I relish discovering East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region brims with historical and artistic landmarks, making it a delightful area for wandering and uncovering new treasures. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – once an old canning warehouse, it’s now the headquarters for a Series B startup that constructs temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex champions creative manufacturing and is home to several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London boasts numerous deals if you know where to search, with many options for budget-friendly yet delectable food. During my stay in London, I’ve compiled a list of dining spots offering various discounts across the city, making eating out more economical.
One such location is in South Kensington, where a remarkable seafood establishment called Wright Brothers presents an Oyster Happy Hour, allowing you to savor oysters for just £1 each! This is an exceptional offer, particularly if you’re longing for the taste of home seafood and wish to treat yourself to oysters without spending a fortune!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets featuring a broad spectrum of cuisines. If you’re searching for food that evokes memories of home, I highly recommend exploring the Tooting food markets!
Getting a breather from the city
While the city’s pace contributes to London’s allure, there are times when the Tube becomes too noisy, or the streets too packed. Fortunately, London is centrally located within an extensive network of trains and coaches, making it easy to retreat from the city for a weekend.
My favorite destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a picturesque medieval town in southern England, rich in history and boasting plenty of student-friendly attractions. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a large botanical garden in Wisley, which makes for a delightful outing, particularly in the summertime.
All in all, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover all that the city has to offer during your adventure at Imperial!
To discover more about my journey, read my