Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating, but the last 18 months in London have been exceptionally fulfilling and enjoyable.
London is a vibrant, historic, and multicultural city that offers a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions – and exploring it is always a thrilling experience! Nevertheless, adapting to life in a foreign country can pose challenges. Below are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with tips and recommendations for acclimating.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is securing the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to research different neighborhoods in London. Camden Town is famous for its nightlife, Hackney is an emerging area in east London, and Putney offers a serene, green residential environment.
I was lucky to explore London prior to starting my Master’s program, which allowed me to visit these neighborhoods in person before choosing Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I used housing search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to find economical house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve settled in, a realm of opportunities and events awaits – the real challenge in London is deciding which activities to engage in and carving out time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is located in the Albertopolis zone, a neighborhood that celebrates the arts, manufacturing, and science. Close by, you’ll discover the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to explore, with some even staying open late on Fridays. The V&A hosts a V&A Late on the final Friday of each month, transforming the museum into a lively gathering with beverages and live music!
In addition to museums, I love wandering through East London areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is rich in historical and artistic landmarks. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf, constructed on a former canning warehouse, now home to a startup creating temporary structures from shipping containers. It promotes creative manufacturing and features art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London has fantastic food deals if you know where to seek them out. I’ve compiled a list of eateries with various promotions throughout the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers presents an Oyster Happy Hour with oysters priced at just £1 each! It’s an incredible offer, especially if you’re in the mood for seafood from home.
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets featuring a wide array of cuisines. If you’re craving foods reminiscent of home, I strongly recommend checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a breather from the city
While city life in London is delightful, there are times when the Tube is too noisy or the streets too congested. Luckily, London’s outstanding train and coach network makes it easy to escape for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England filled with history and student-friendly areas. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer day out.
Overall, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and places to discover. Take your time to explore all that the city has to offer during your experience at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.