Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the decision to relocate from a rural Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nonetheless, the past 18 months spent in London have been the most rewarding and exhilarating of my life.
London is a multicultural, diverse, historic, and lively metropolis with an extensive selection of restaurants, events, and attractions – navigating it is always an adventure! However, adapting to life in a new country can be tough. Here are some insights I gathered as an international student in London, along with tips for acclimatization.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in moving to London involves finding the perfect place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to investigate different London neighborhoods that could be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in East London, and Putney offers a serene, green residential environment.
I was fortunate enough to visit London prior to starting my Master’s program, which allowed me to firsthand experience these neighborhoods before deciding where to live. After settling on Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation websites such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to seek cost-effective house shares, arranged virtual viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After you’re settled in and have personalized your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits – the challenge in London lies in selecting which activities to participate in and finding the time for everything!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis district, an area dedicated to art, manufacturing, and science. Close by, you’ll find fantastic museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are wonderful to explore, and some offer extended hours on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A holds a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a vibrant celebration with drinks and live music!
Alongside museum visits, I relish exploring East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich with historical and artistic landmarks, making it a fabulous place to wander and uncover hidden treasures. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – located on the site of a former canning warehouse, it now hosts a Series B startup focused on creating temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex champions creative manufacturing and houses several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London provides numerous bargains if you know where to search, with countless options for affordable yet delectable cuisine. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of eateries offering various discounts across the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One such venue is situated in South Kensington, where a seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, allowing you to savor oysters for only £1 each! This is an incredible deal, particularly if you long for the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters without overspending!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets that offer a wide range of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that brings back memories of home, I highly suggest exploring Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
While the rhythm of London’s city life contributes to its allure, there are times when the Tube becomes too noisy, streets too congested, and crowds omnipresent. Luckily, London is at the hub of an extensive train and coach network, making it convenient to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, steeped in history and featuring numerous student-friendly spots. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) possesses a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which makes for a delightful day out, particularly during the summer.
Overall, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and locations to discover, so take your time to explore all it has to offer during your time at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.