Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
The decision to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was quite overwhelming. Nevertheless, the last 18 months experiencing life in London have been the most rewarding and exhilarating of my existence.
London is an energetic, culturally diverse, and historic metropolis overflowing with a variety of dining options, events, and sights – every exploration becomes an adventure! However, adapting to a new country can prove difficult. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with some suggestions on how to navigate life once you’re established.
Relocating to London as a graduate student
The initial step in moving to London involves identifying the ideal spot to call home. By leveraging Instagram, TikTok, and online communities, I investigated different neighborhoods in London that might be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts a bustling nightlife, Hackney is a developing area in East London, and Putney offers a peaceful, green residential atmosphere.
I was lucky enough to visit London before embarking on my Master’s, which allowed me to tour these areas personally before making a housing decision. After settling on Putney, my flatmates (whom I met as undergraduates) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to find economical house shares, organized virtual viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a charming flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
After you’ve settled in and adorned your new home, a plethora of opportunities lies ahead – the real challenge in London is selecting which activities to engage in and finding the time to enjoy them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis region, an area honoring art, industry, and science. Nearby, you’ll discover amazing museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are wonderful to explore, with some even remaining open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a mini rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I relish roaming through East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is brimming with historical and artistic landmarks, making it an excellent locale to meander and explore. My favorite locale is Trinity Buoy Wharf – established on an old canning warehouse, it’s now host to a startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers. This venue celebrates creative manufacturing and accommodates multiple art studios, alongside the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London has many affordable gems if you know where to search, offering a plethora of options for tasty yet budget-friendly meals. Throughout my time in London, I’ve curated a list of eateries with various deals scattered across the city, making dining out more economical.
One notable spot in South Kensington is a seafood restaurant named Wright Brothers, which features an Oyster Happy Hour with oysters priced at just £1 each! It’s an excellent deal, particularly if you’re longing for the taste of home-caught seafood and wish to indulge without overspending!
Tooting in South London is also famed for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets that present a diverse range of cuisines. If you crave food that reminds you of home, I highly recommend checking out the Tooting food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
While the city’s tempo adds to London’s allure, there are times when the Tube can be overwhelmingly noisy, or the streets become excessively crowded. Luckily, London is centrally located within an excellent network of trains and coaches, making it simple to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has a large botanical garden in Wisley, making for an excellent outing, particularly during the summer months.
In summary, London is a vibrant city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time exploring all the city has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, read my Imperial story.