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 intimidating. Nevertheless, the 18 months I’ve spent in London have turned out to be the most rewarding and thrilling of my life.
London is an energetic, diverse city rich in history, with an abundance of restaurants, events, and attractions – every exploration is an adventure! However, adapting to a new country can pose challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with a few tips and recommendations for settling in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the ideal place to call home. I turned to Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to research different neighborhoods in London. I found that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney offers a tranquil, green residential vibe.
Having visited London prior to starting my Master’s, I could explore these neighborhoods firsthand before opting for Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to discover budget-friendly house shares, set up online viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a nice flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
After settling in, a plethora of opportunities and events await – the challenge in London lies in choosing which activities to engage in and finding the time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis district, a neighborhood honoring art, industry, and science. Close by, there are several fantastic museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are excellent for exploration, and some even offer late-night openings on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, turning the museum into a vibrant party with drinks and live music!
Apart from museum visits, I enjoy traversing East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The area is rich with historical and artistic landmarks, making it a wonderful place to stroll. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, constructed on an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup that creates temporary installations from shipping containers. The complex celebrates innovative manufacturing and houses numerous art studios, along with the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday worked!
Dining out in London
London presents numerous bargains if you know where to search, with a variety of options for tasty yet affordable food. During my stay in London, I’ve assembled a list of eateries featuring different deals across the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One such establishment is located in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for just £1 each! It’s an incredible deal, especially if you’re yearning for seafood from home and want to indulge in oysters without spending a fortune.
Tooting, in South London, is also renowned for its food culture. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing a diverse range of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that reminds you of home, I highly suggest checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a breather from the city
Although London’s urban atmosphere is part of its allure, there are times when the Tube can be too noisy or the streets overly congested. Thankfully, London is well-linked by trains and coaches, making it convenient to escape the city for a weekend.
I particularly enjoy visiting Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, steeped in history and featuring several student-friendly spots. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, perfect for a summer outing.
In summary, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to explore everything it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
For more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.