Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months spent in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling of my life.
London is an energetic, diverse, historic city boasting an extensive selection of restaurants, events, and attractions – every exploration is an adventure! However, adapting to life in a new country can present challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with advice for settling in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the perfect place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate different areas of London. Camden Town is famed for its nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney offers a calm, green residential atmosphere.
I was lucky to visit London prior to commencing my Master’s studies, enabling me to personally check out these neighborhoods. I opted for Putney, and with my flatmates from undergraduate studies, we employed accommodation websites such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to secure an economical house share. We arranged online viewings and discovered a pleasant flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After settling in, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits – the real challenge lies in deciding which activities to join and finding time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district that honors art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, there are magnificent museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums offer great exploration opportunities, and some remain open late on Fridays. The V&A organizes a V&A Late on the final Friday of each month, transforming the museum into a lively event with drinks and live music!
Apart from museums, I relish exploring East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is rich in history and artistic projects, making it a captivating area to explore. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on the site of an old canning warehouse, now housing a startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers. It champions creative manufacturing and features art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday worked!
Dining out in London
London presents excellent dining deals if you know where to search. I’ve assembled a list of eateries with bargains throughout the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One such place is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour featuring oysters for just £1 each! It’s an incredible deal, especially if you long for seafood from home.
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets featuring a variety of cuisines. If you’re yearning for familiar dishes, I strongly advise exploring Tooting’s food markets!
Escaping the city
While the rhythm of London is delightful, there are times when the Tube is too noisy or the streets too packed. Fortunately, London is well-linked by trains and coaches, simplifying weekend getaways.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England filled with history and student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.
In conclusion, London is an energetic city filled with endless opportunities and locations to discover. Take the time to uncover all that the city has to offer while at Imperial!
For more about my experiences, check out my Imperial story.