Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning 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 thrilling period of my life.
London is a lively, diverse, historic metropolis featuring an extensive selection of restaurants, events, and attractions. Every exploration becomes a thrilling journey! However, acclimating to life in a different country can present its challenges. Here are some insights I’ve gained as an international student in London, along with suggestions for settling in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step for relocating to London is securing the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online discussion boards to investigate various neighborhoods in London. Camden Town is famous for its vibrant nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney is a peaceful, green residential locale.
Having visited London prior to my Master’s program, I explored these areas firsthand before selecting Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I used platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and discovered a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once settled, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits you. The difficulty in London lies in selecting which activities to partake in and allocating time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is located in the Albertopolis area, which honors art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, you’ll find incredible museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. Some museums even have extended hours on Fridays. The V&A hosts a V&A Late on the final Friday of each month, transforming into a mini rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to museums, I relish exploring East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. These areas are steeped in history and artistic endeavors, making them perfect for strolling and uncovering hidden treasures. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, constructed on an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup creating temporary structures from shipping containers. It celebrates innovative manufacturing and features various art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted experiments!
Dining in London
London presents great deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for affordable yet delicious food. I’ve curated a list of dining spots offering diverse deals throughout the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One particular place is located in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers hosts an Oyster Happy Hour, featuring oysters at just £1 each! It’s an incredible offer, particularly if you yearn for the taste of home seafood.
Tooting in South London is famous for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets featuring a variety of cuisines. If you seek food that evokes memories of home, be sure to check out the Tooting food markets!
Getting away from the city
While the charm of London’s urban rhythm is appealing, there are times when the Tube can be excessively loud or the streets overly crowded. Fortunately, the city’s train and coach systems facilitate easy escapes from the city for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England filled with history and student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a delightful summer day.
In summary, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and places to discover. Take your time to explore all the city has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.