By Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating, but my past 18 months in London have been profoundly fulfilling and enjoyable.
London is a dynamic, multicultural metropolis with a rich heritage and a vast selection of restaurants, activities, and attractions. Navigating the city is always an exciting journey, though adapting to a new country can be tough. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with suggestions on what to do once you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the ideal home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to explore different neighborhoods in London. Camden Town is famed for its vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning area in east London, and Putney presents a tranquil, green setting.
Having been to London prior to commencing my Master’s, I visited these areas physically before deciding on Putney. My flatmates and I, who I met during my undergraduate studies, employed platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to discover budget-friendly house shares, coordinated online viewings, and ultimately secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve established your home, a plethora of opportunities and events await you. The challenge in London lies in choosing which activities to engage in and carving out time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a locality that celebrates art, industry, and science. Close by, you’ll discover the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum, all of which deserve exploration. Some remain open late on Fridays, and the V&A hosts a V&A Late on the final Friday of every month, transforming the museum into a vibrant gathering with beverages and music.
In addition to museums, I enjoy wandering through East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. These areas are steeped in history and creative ventures. My favorite place is Trinity Buoy Wharf, a creative center established on a former canning warehouse, now housing art studios and a startup that constructs structures from shipping containers. Interestingly, this is also where Michael Faraday once worked!
Dining out in London
London boasts fantastic food bargains if you know where to seek them. I’ve created a list of economical dining options throughout the city.
One such venue is Wright Brothers in South Kensington, which features an Oyster Happy Hour with oysters priced at just £1 each—a superb deal for seafood lovers.
The area of Tooting in South London is renowned for its culinary scene, with Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market showcasing an extensive range of cuisines. If you’re in search of comforting foods that remind you of home, I suggest checking out these markets!
Taking a break from the city
While London’s vibrancy is part of its appeal, at times the Tube and crowded streets can become too much. Luckily, London is efficiently connected by trains and coaches, making it simple to escape the city for a weekend.
My preferred retreats are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a picturesque medieval town in southern England with a wealth of history and student-friendly spots. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden in Wisley is a charming day trip, especially during the summer.
To sum up, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places waiting to be discovered. Take your time to uncover all it has to offer while you’re at Imperial!
To delve deeper into my experiences, read my Imperial story.