Contributed by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating, but the last 18 months spent in London have been incredibly rewarding and thrilling.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, and historic metropolis featuring a diverse array of restaurants, events, and sights. Every exploration is an exhilarating journey! Nevertheless, adapting to a new country can pose challenges. Below are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with tips and advice 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 utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to research different neighborhoods in London. I found that Camden Town boasts an energetic nightlife, Hackney is a developing area in east London, and Putney is a serene, green residential neighborhood.
Having explored London prior to starting my Master’s, I was able to visit these neighborhoods firsthand before choosing Putney. My flatmates (whom I connected with during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate reasonable house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately discovered a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve established yourself, a plethora of opportunities and events await. The difficulty in London lies in deciding which activities to partake in and making time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus resides in the Albertopolis area, a section honoring art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are remarkable museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic for exploration, and some remain open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, turning the museum into a mini rave featuring drinks and live music!
Aside from museums, I love roaming around East London, exploring areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The region is abundant with historical and artistic landmarks, making it a fantastic area to explore. My favorite place is Trinity Buoy Wharf, which is built on an old canning warehouse and now houses a startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers. This complex celebrates innovative manufacturing and is home to several art studios, including the original laboratory where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining in London
London provides plenty of budget-friendly options if you know where to search, with many choices for delicious yet affordable meals. I’ve put together a list of dining locations offering deals throughout the city, making it easier to enjoy eating out.
One of those spots is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just £1 each! It’s an excellent deal, especially if you’re longing for the taste of home seafood.
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its vibrant food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets filled with a wide range of cuisines. If you’re looking for food that reminds you of home, I highly recommend checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a break from the city
While the hustle and bustle of London adds to its allure, sometimes the Tube can get too noisy or the streets too crowded. Thankfully, London is well-linked by trains and coaches, making weekend getaways easy.
My favorite places to visit are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and featuring many student-friendly spots. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, making it an ideal destination for a summer outing.
All in all, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to explore. Take your time to uncover everything the city has to offer during your journey at Imperial!
For more information about my experiences, read my Imperial story.