Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months I’ve spent in London have been the most rewarding and exhilarating of my life.
London is an energetic, diverse, and historical city boasting an array of restaurants, events, and attractions – navigating it is always an adventure! However, adapting to life in a foreign country can present challenges. Here are some insights I’ve gained as an international student in London, along with recommendations and advice for when you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a graduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the right place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to explore various London neighborhoods that could be enjoyable to live in. I found that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning area in east London, and Putney is a calm, green residential neighborhood.
Since I had visited London before starting my Master’s program, I was able to explore these areas firsthand before making my decision. I opted for Putney, and alongside my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies), we used accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate affordable house shares. We arranged online viewings with landlords and secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve unpacked and personalized your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events await – the challenge in London lies in selecting which activities to engage in and finding time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis region, an area dedicated to art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are magnificent museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to explore, and some remain open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a lively event with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I love exploring East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich in historical and artistic initiatives, making it a delightful locale for walking and uncovering unexpected sights. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, built on a former canning warehouse. It now accommodates a Series B startup that constructs temporary installations from shipping containers. The complex celebrates creative manufacturing and features numerous art studios, plus the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London has plenty of bargains if you know where to seek, with numerous options for affordable yet excellent culinary experiences. During my stay in London, I’ve compiled a list of dining venues offering various deals throughout the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One such establishment is located in South Kensington, where a seafood restaurant named Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just £1 each! This is an incredible deal, especially if you’re craving the taste of home seafood and want to indulge in oysters without overspending!
Tooting in South London is also noted for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets that present a wide range of cuisines. If you’re yearning for flavors reminiscent of home, I wholeheartedly recommend investigating the food markets in Tooting!
Escaping the city
While the city’s tempo is part of its allure, occasionally the Tube can become too noisy, or the streets are excessively congested with crowds. Fortunately, London is situated at the center of an excellent network of trains and coaches, making it easy to flee the city for a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and filled with student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which provides a wonderful day trip, particularly in the summer.
All in all, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover everything it has to offer during your tenure at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, check out my Imperial story.