Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from the pastoral surroundings of a rural Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nonetheless, the last 18 months spent in London have been the most gratifying and enjoyable of my life.
London is a multifaceted, multicultural, historic, and lively city, boasting an extensive range of restaurants, events, and attractions – discovering it is perpetually an adventure! However, adapting to life in a new nation can be tough. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with advice on what to do once you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial move to London involves identifying the ideal place to make your home. By utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I researched numerous neighborhoods throughout London that appeared appealing. I found that Camden Town features a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, while Putney is a serene, green residential locale.
I was lucky to have visited London ahead of commencing my Master’s, which permitted me to explore these neighborhoods firsthand before finalizing my living arrangements. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to find budget-friendly house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat adjacent to Putney Heath.
Activities to engage in while in London
After unpacking and furnishing your new home, a realm of possibilities and events awaits you – the real challenge in London lies in choosing which activities to undertake and allocating time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis district, a region that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Close by, you’ll discover a plethora of marvelous museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are splendid to explore, with some even offering late hours on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A holds a V&A Late event, transforming the museum into a mini rave with beverages and live music!
In addition to visiting museums, I take pleasure in exploring East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is replete with historical landmarks and artistic endeavors, making it a delightful place to stroll and uncover new experiences. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – built on an old canning warehouse, this site now hosts a startup that creates temporary structures using shipping containers. The complex honors creative manufacturing and accommodates several art studios, as well as the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents excellent bargains if you know where to seek them, featuring numerous options for affordable yet scrumptious food. During my stay in London, I’ve compiled a guide to food venues that offer various deals across the city, facilitating more budget-friendly dining experiences.
One such venue is located in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers presents an Oyster Happy Hour, allowing you to savor oysters for merely £1 each! This is an outstanding deal, particularly if you crave the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters to your heart’s content!
Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing a diverse range of cuisines. If you’re yearning for food that evokes memories of home, I highly recommend delving into the Tooting food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
While the city’s pulse is part of London’s allure, there are times when the Tube becomes too noisy, or the streets feel overly congested, with crowds everywhere. Luckily, London is nestled within an excellent network of trains and coaches, making escaping the city for a weekend easy.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, brimming with history and student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a day trip, especially during the summer months.
In summary, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and countless places to explore, so take the time to uncover everything the city has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.