Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the most populous city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling of my life.
London is an energetic, diverse, historical city brimming with a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions—navigating it is always an exciting journey! However, adjusting to life in a foreign country can be tough. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with recommendations for what to do once you are settled in.
Relocating to London as a graduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the perfect place to establish your home. By using Instagram, TikTok, and online communities, I explored various neighborhoods in London that might suit my living preferences. I stumbled upon Camden Town’s lively nightlife, Hackney’s budding atmosphere, and Putney’s serene, green residential ambiance.
Having visited London prior to commencing my Master’s, I assessed these areas in person before opting for Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, arranged virtual viewings with landlords, and secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to engage in London
Once you’ve gotten comfortable, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits you—navigating London’s offerings can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing which activities to participate in and fitting them all into your schedule!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated within the Albertopolis district, a neighborhood that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Wonderful museums such as the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A Museum are nearby. These museums are fantastic to explore, some remaining open late on Fridays. The V&A even hosts a V&A Late on the final Friday of every month, transforming the museum into a lively gathering with beverages and live music!
In addition to museums, I revel in discovering East London locales like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is brimming with historical and artistic landmarks, perfect for wandering and exploration. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf—formerly an old canning warehouse, it’s now home to a startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers, featuring art studios and the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted experiments!
Dining out in London
London provides numerous bargains if you know where to seek them, with plenty of choices for affordable yet tasty meals. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of dining venues offering various deals across the city, making meals out more budget-friendly.
One such location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers serves an Oyster Happy Hour with oysters priced at just £1 each! This is a fantastic offer, especially if you long for the flavors of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and wallet’s) satisfaction!
Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing a diverse array of cuisines. If you’re in search of food reminiscent of your hometown, I highly recommend checking out the Tooting food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
While the city’s vibrancy adds to London’s appeal, at times the Tube can be overly loud, the streets excessively crowded, and bustling throngs can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, London boasts excellent train and coach connectivity, making weekend getaways a breeze.
My preferred destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a picturesque medieval town in southern England, rich in history and student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.
All in all, London is a dynamic city rich with opportunities and places to explore, so take the time to uncover everything it offers during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.