Composed by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating, yet the last 18 months in London have proved to be immensely fulfilling and enjoyable.
London is a lively, diverse city rich in history and filled with an abundance of restaurants, events, and attractions. Discovering the city is always an adventure, albeit settling into a new country can present its challenges. Here are some insights I’ve gained as an international student in London, along with advice for acclimating.
Relocating to London as a graduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is securing the perfect place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate different neighborhoods in London. Camden Town is celebrated for its nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney provides a serene, green residential atmosphere.
Having visited London prior to commencing my Master’s, I took the time to physically explore these neighborhoods before deciding on Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during undergraduate studies) and I used platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to discover budget-friendly house shares, scheduled online viewings, and ultimately found a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once settled, a plethora of opportunities is at your fingertips. The difficulty lies in deciding which activities to engage in and carving out time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is nestled in the Albertopolis area, which pays homage to art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A Museum, all wonderful to explore, with some open late on Fridays. The V&A hosts a V&A Late on the last Friday of every month, transforming the museum into a vibrant celebration with drinks and music!
Apart from museums, I relish exploring East London locales like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs, bursting with history and creative endeavors. My favorite is Trinity Buoy Wharf, which was established on an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup constructing structures from shipping containers, and housing art studios and the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday worked!
Dining out in London
London presents fantastic food deals if you know where to search. I’ve compiled a list of places with discounts across the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One venue is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour featuring oysters at £1 each—a fantastic bargain if you’re craving seafood from home!
Tooting in South London is renowned for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market showcase a diverse array of cuisines. If you’re longing for flavors from home, these markets are definitely worth checking out!
Taking a respite from the city
While London’s vibrancy is a key part of its allure, there are times when the Tube and the throngs can feel overwhelming. Luckily, London’s train and coach network facilitates easy weekend getaways.
My top preferred escapes are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a charming medieval town rich in history with many student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the RHS Wisley botanical garden offers a lovely outing during the summer.
In summary, London is a dynamic city full of chances and places to explore. Take your time to uncover all that it has to offer while you study at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, read my Imperial story.