Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the previous 18 months spent in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling of my life.
London is an energetic, diverse, historic metropolis that boasts a vast array of restaurants, events, and attractions – discovering it is always a thrilling experience! Yet, adapting to life in a new nation can be tough. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with tips and advice for when you become settled.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in moving to London is identifying the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to investigate various neighborhoods in London. I found out that Camden Town has a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney is a serene, green residential locality.
I was lucky to visit London prior to commencing my Master’s, giving me the opportunity to explore these areas firsthand before making a decision on where to live. After opting for Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation websites such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to search for affordable house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and eventually found a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
After settling in, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits you – the challenge in London lies in choosing which activities to engage in and finding time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis district, an area that honors 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 delightful to explore, and some even have late hours on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a small party with drinks and live music!
In addition to visiting museums, I love exploring East London areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich in historical and artistic sites, making it a fantastic place to stroll and uncover. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – built on a former canning warehouse, it now houses a startup that constructs temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates innovative manufacturing and features several art studios, along with the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday worked!
Dining out in London
London offers many great deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for budget-friendly yet delicious food. Throughout my stay in London, I’ve compiled a list of food venues with various deals around the city, making dining out more affordable.
One such place is in South Kensington, where a seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers has an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for only £1 each! It’s an excellent bargain, especially if you crave the taste of home-cooked seafood.
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets that showcase a wide range of cuisines. If you’re seeking food that reminds you of home, I highly suggest checking out the Tooting food markets!
Taking a break from the metropolis
While the city’s hustle is part of London’s appeal, sometimes the Tube gets excessively loud, or the streets too congested. Fortunately, London is well-connected through trains and coaches, making it simple to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and friendly spots for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, perfect for a summer outing.
In summary, London is a lively city brimming with countless opportunities and places to discover, so take your time exploring everything it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To discover more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.