Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc in Applied Mathematics
Making the decision to leave a rural island in Spain for Europe’s most populous city was intimidating. Nonetheless, the last 18 months in London have turned out to be the most rewarding and enjoyable of my existence.
London is an energetic, diverse, historic metropolis offering an array of restaurants, events, and sights – exploring it is perpetually an adventure! However, adapting to life in a new nation can present challenges. Below are some insights I gained while relocating to London as an international student, along with recommendations for what to do after settling in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is selecting the ideal place to call home. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and various online communities, I explored different neighborhoods in London. I discovered that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a rising area in East London, and Putney is a peaceful, green residential neighborhood.
I was fortunate to visit London prior to commencing my Master’s, which allowed me to explore these areas firsthand before making my living arrangements. After deciding on Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to find economical house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’re settled, a vast array of opportunities and events is at your fingertips – the challenge lies in selecting which activities to partake in and allocating time for everything!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are fantastic museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are perfect for exploration, and some have late hours on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a small party with beverages and live music!
In addition to visiting museums, I enjoy discovering East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The region is rich with historical and artistic landmarks. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf – constructed on the site of an old canning factory, it is now the base for a startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex promotes creative manufacturing and hosts various art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted experiments!
Dining in London
London presents great deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for affordable yet high-quality cuisine. Throughout my stay in London, I have compiled a list of eateries with a variety of offers across the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One such venue is in South Kensington, where a seafood restaurant named Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just £1 each! It’s an excellent bargain, particularly if you crave the taste of home-style seafood.
Tooting in South London is also famed for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing diverse cuisines. If you’re in search of flavors reminiscent of home, I highly suggest venturing to the Tooting food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
Though the pace of the city contributes to London’s allure, there are times when the Tube becomes overwhelmingly loud, or the streets are too congested. Thankfully, London is well-connected through trains and coaches, facilitating easy weekend getaways from the city.
My preferred destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a charming medieval town in southern England brimming with history and student-friendly locales. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.
Overall, London is a dynamic city teeming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time experiencing everything it has to offer during your tenure at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.