Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was quite intimidating, but the last 18 months in London have proven to be immensely rewarding and enjoyable.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, historic, and vibrant city boasting an extensive array of restaurants, events, and attractions—venturing into it is consistently an adventure! Nevertheless, adjusting to a new country can pose challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with tips and advice for when you’ve settled 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 communities to investigate different neighborhoods in London. I came across Camden Town’s lively nightlife, Hackney’s developing scene, and Putney’s serene, green residential atmosphere.
I was lucky to visit London prior to commencing my Master’s, which allowed me to personally explore these neighborhoods. I opted for Putney, and my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate economical house shares. We arranged virtual viewings with landlords and secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After you’ve settled in, a plethora of opportunities and events await you. The difficulty in London lies in deciding which activities to engage in and managing time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a locality that highlights art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are marvelous museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic for exploration, with some even staying open late on Fridays. The V&A hosts a V&A Late event on the final Friday of each month, transforming the museum into a lively gathering with refreshments and live entertainment!
In addition to museums, I take pleasure in exploring East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. These regions are steeped in history and artistic initiatives, providing wonderful walking opportunities to uncover new experiences. My favorite place is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on the site of a former canning warehouse, now home to a startup creating temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex honors innovative manufacturing and houses art studios as well as the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London has excellent food deals if you know where to look. I’ve put together a list of dining spots offering various deals throughout the city, making eating out more economical.
One particularly notable place is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers runs an Oyster Happy Hour featuring oysters for merely £1 each! It’s an incredible deal, especially if you are longing for seafood from your homeland.
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets, showcasing a variety of cuisines. If you’re yearning for food from home, I highly recommend checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a break from the city
While the rhythm of London is captivating, at times the Tube can become too noisy, or the streets too crowded. Thankfully, London has an excellent network of trains and coaches, making it easy to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England with historical significance and student-friendly locations. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a magnificent botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer excursion.
In summary, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to discover. Take the time to explore everything the city has to offer while you’re at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.