Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to shift from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months spent in London have proven to be the most rewarding and enjoyable of my life.
London is an eclectic, multicultural, historical, and lively city offering a vast array of restaurants, events, and sights – discovering it is consistently thrilling! However, adapting to a new country can pose challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with some advice and recommendations for after you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the ideal place to call home. Through Instagram, TikTok, and various online forums, I explored different neighborhoods throughout London that would be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town has a lively nightlife, Hackney is becoming a trendy area in east London, and Putney is a peaceful and green residential neighborhood.
I was lucky enough to visit London before starting my Master’s program, which allowed me to check out these areas in person prior to deciding on my move. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during undergraduate studies) and I utilized housing search websites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate cost-effective house shares, organized online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After you’ve settled in and personalized your new space, an entire world of events and opportunities lies ahead – the difficulty in London is selecting which activities to engage in and allocating time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis region, an area that honors art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, you can find a series of marvelous museums, such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to visit, and some even have extended hours on Fridays. On the final Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, an open event where the museum transforms into a mini rave with drinks and live music!
In addition to touring museums, I love exploring East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich with historical gems and artistic initiatives, making it a delightful spot for strolling and discovering. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf – established on an old canning facility, it’s currently home to a Series B startup constructing temporary structures from shipping containers. This venue celebrates creative manufacturing and features several art studios, as well as the original lighthouse lab where English chemist and physicist Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London provides great deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for affordable yet excellent food. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of eateries with various promotions across the city, making dining out less expensive.
One such establishment is located in South Kensington, where you’ll find an amazing seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers offering an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just £1 each! It’s a fantastic bargain, particularly if you’re longing for the flavors of home seafood and want to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and budget’s) content!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are sizable indoor street food markets showcasing a wide variety of cuisines. If you seek food that evokes memories of home, I highly suggest exploring the Tooting food markets!
Taking a break from the urban pace
While the city’s tempo is part of London’s allure, sometimes the Tube becomes overwhelming or the streets too crowded, with throngs everywhere. Fortunately, London is at the center of an excellent rail and coach network, making it simple to escape the city for a weekend.
My preferred places to visit include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is an enchanting medieval town in southern England, rich in history and student-friendly spots. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, offering a lovely outing, especially during summer.
Overall, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and destinations to explore, so take your time to discover all that it has to offer during your experience at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/Stories/my-imperial-story-emilio/"