Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. However, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and pleasurable of my existence.
London is an energetic, multicultural, historic metropolis with a diverse range of eateries, events, and sights – discovering it is perpetually an adventure! Nonetheless, adapting to life in a foreign country can pose challenges. Below are some insights I gained while moving to London as an international student, along with tips and recommendations for when you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in moving to London is identifying the ideal place to call your home. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I researched different areas in London that might be delightful to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney is a tranquil, green residential neighborhood.
I was lucky to visit London prior to commencing my Master’s, which enabled me to explore these neighborhoods in person before making my relocation decision. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search websites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to find reasonably priced house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
After you’ve unpacked and arranged your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits – the challenge in London lies in choosing which activities to engage in and allocating time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby are fantastic museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are wonderful to explore, and some even have extended hours on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a mini rave with beverages and live music!
In addition to visiting museums, I enjoy exploring areas in East London like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is brimming with historical and artistic ventures, making it a captivating place to investigate. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – constructed on the site of an old canning warehouse, it now houses a startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex honors creative manufacturing and contains several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday worked!
Dining out in London
London presents great deals if you know where to look, with numerous options for affordable yet excellent dining. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of eateries with various promotions across the city, making dining out more economical.
One such location is in South Kensington, where a seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour, allowing you to enjoy oysters for merely £1 each! This is an exceptional offer, particularly if you yearn for the taste of home seafood and want to treat yourself to oysters without spending a fortune!
Tooting in South London is additionally renowned for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets presenting a broad selection of cuisines. If you crave food that evokes memories of home, I highly recommend diving into the Tooting food markets!
Escaping the city for a break
While the city’s pace contributes to London’s allure, at times the Tube can become too noisy, the streets too crowded, and people are everywhere. Thankfully, London is surrounded by an excellent network of trains and coaches, making it simple to escape the city for a weekend.
My favorite getaway spots are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a charming medieval town in southern England, rich in history and friendly to students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which is a delightful outing, especially during the summertime.
In summary, London is a dynamic city filled with prospects and places to explore, so take the time to uncover all it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.