Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was quite intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and enjoyable of my life.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, historic, and lively city teeming with a vast selection of dining options, events, and attractions – every exploration is a new adventure! Nevertheless, adjusting to life in a foreign country can pose its challenges. Here are some insights I gained while relocating to London as an international student, along with a few recommendations on how to settle in once you’ve arrived.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in moving to London is identifying the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and various online forums to investigate different neighborhoods in London that could be exciting to reside in. I learned that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, while Putney offers a peaceful, green residential environment.
Having visited London prior to starting my Master’s, I toured these neighborhoods firsthand before deciding on my new residence. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to search for budget-friendly house shares, arranged virtual viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve unpacked and styled your new living space, a multitude of opportunities and events await you – the real challenge in London lies in selecting which activities to partake in and how to find time for them all!
The South Kensington Campus of Imperial is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district dedicated to art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, you’ll find marvelous 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 holds a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a mini rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I enjoy wandering through East London areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region features historical enclaves and artistic initiatives, making it a charming place to stroll and uncover new experiences. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – it was constructed on an old canning facility and now hosts a startup that designs temporary structures using shipping containers. The complex celebrates creative manufacturing and is home to several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents numerous bargains if you know where to search, offering a multitude of choices for affordable yet excellent dining options. Throughout my time in London, I have gathered a list of food destinations with various deals across the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One such location is in South Kensington, where an exceptional seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters available for just £1 each! It’s an incredible deal, particularly if you long for the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and wallet’s) delight!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets that present a wide range of cuisines. If you are in search of flavors reminiscent of home, I highly recommend checking out the Tooting food markets!
Escaping the city
While the rhythm of London’s city life contributes to its allure, at times the Tube can become overly noisy, or the streets too congested, with people everywhere. Thankfully, London is conveniently located within a robust network of trains and coaches, making it easy to retreat from the city for a weekend.
My favorite destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England rich in history and full of student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, making it a fantastic day excursion, especially during the summer.
In conclusion, London is a lively city brimming with chances and places to discover, so take your time exploring all that the city has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.<