Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Migrating from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nonetheless, the last 18 months in London have proven to be the most rewarding and enjoyable of my life.
London is a diverse, multicultural, historical, and lively city boasting a variety of restaurants, events, and attractions – every exploration feels like an adventure! Yet, adapting to life in a new country can be difficult. Here are some insights I gained while relocating to London as an international student, along with tips on what to do once you’re settled.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate scholar
The initial step to moving to London is securing the ideal home. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I researched different neighborhoods throughout London that could be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town offers a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a developing area in east London, and Putney is a peaceful, green residential neighborhood.
I was fortunate to visit London prior to starting my Master’s, which allowed me to explore these areas firsthand before making my decision on where to live. After opting for Putney, my flatmates (who I met during my undergraduate years) and I utilized accommodation search websites such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate affordable house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve unpacked and adorned your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits you – the challenge in London lies in choosing which activities to engage in and finding the time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district dedicated to art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, there are several excellent museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are delightful to explore, and some even remain open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A holds a V&A Late, an open gathering where the museum transforms into a mini-party with beverages and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I enjoy wandering through East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich in historical landmarks and artistic endeavors, making it a fantastic place to roam and uncover. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – once an old canning facility, it now hosts a Series B startup that constructs temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates innovative manufacturing and features several art studios, as well as the original lighthouse lab where English chemist and physicist Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London is brimming with deals if you know where to search, providing many options for affordable yet high-quality food. Throughout my time in London, I’ve created a list of dining spots offering various promotions across the city, making going out to eat more budget-friendly.
One such venue is in South Kensington, where a fantastic seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just £1 each! This offer is exceptional, particularly if you crave the taste of seafood from home and wish to relish oysters without spending a fortune!
Tooting in South London is also recognized for its vibrant food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are spacious indoor street food markets featuring a vast array of cuisines. If you’re seeking food reminiscent of home, I highly recommend checking out the Tooting food markets!
Taking a breather from the city
While the hustle and bustle are part of London’s allure, at times the Tube becomes overly noisy, the streets too congested, and crowds abound. Thankfully, London is at the heart of an excellent network of trains and coaches, making it simple to flee the city for a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a charming medieval town in southern England, rich in history and catering to students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, which is a delightful outing, particularly during the summer.
All in all, London is a dynamic city filled with prospects and places to explore, so take your time uncovering all that the city has to offer while studying at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, click here