Authored 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 been remarkably rewarding and enjoyable.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, historic, and lively metropolis with a diverse array of restaurants, events, and attractions – there’s always an adventure waiting to be had! Nevertheless, adapting to life in a new nation can present challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with tips and recommendations for ensuring a smooth adjustment.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial task in relocating to London is securing the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to investigate different neighborhoods in London. I learned that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney is a serene, green residential locality.
Having previously visited London before embarking on my Master’s, I was able to personally explore these areas before making my choice for Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation websites such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate affordable house shares, organized online meetings with landlords, and ultimately found a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’re settled, a plethora of opportunities and events lies ahead – the difficulty in London is selecting which activities to partake in and managing time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis region, a neighborhood dedicated to celebrating art, manufacturing, and science. Close by, there are fantastic museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are wonderful to explore, and some even remain open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late event, transforming the museum into a bustling party complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to visiting museums, I love discovering East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is rich in historical and artistic landmarks, making it a fantastic area to stroll and unearth new experiences. My favorite place is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on a former canning warehouse, now home to a startup that constructs temporary structures from shipping containers. It celebrates innovative manufacturing and includes multiple art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents excellent dining deals if you know where to search. Throughout my stay here, I’ve assembled a list of dining locations with various promotions throughout the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One such location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for only £1 each! This is an incredible deal, especially if you crave the flavors of home seafood.
Tooting in South London is also recognized for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing an array of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that evokes memories of home, I highly suggest checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a break from the city
While the city’s rhythm is integral to London’s allure, there are times when the Tube can be excessively noisy or the streets overly crowded. Luckily, London is well-served by trains and coaches, facilitating easy escapes for the weekend.
My preferred getaway spots are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a lovely medieval town in southern England replete with history and student-friendly hangouts. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer excursion.
In summary, London is a vibrant city brimming with opportunities and places to explore. Take your time discovering all that it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.