Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
The decision to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have proven to be the most rewarding and enjoyable of my life.
London is an eclectic, multicultural, historic, and lively city offering a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions – venturing through it is always an exciting experience! Yet, adapting to life in a foreign country can be tough. Here are some insights I gained while transitioning to London as an international student, accompanied by some advice and recommendations for when you have settled down.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial move to London involves finding the ideal place to call home. Through Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I explored different neighborhoods in London that could be enjoyable to reside in. I learned that Camden Town boasts an energetic nightlife, Hackney is a rising area in east London, and Putney offers a peaceful, green residential setting.
I was lucky enough to visit London before my Master’s program began, enabling me to check out these neighborhoods firsthand before making a moving decision. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a charming flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve settled in and embellished your new space, a realm of opportunities and events awaits you – the challenge in London lies in deciding which experiences to engage in and making time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis region, a neighborhood that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby are magnificent museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to explore, and some even have extended hours on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A organizes a V&A Late, turning the museum into a vibrant gathering with drinks and live music!
Beyond museums, I relish the chance to explore East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich in historical landmarks and creative projects, making it an excellent place to roam and uncover new things. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – constructed on an old canning warehouse, it now hosts a startup focused on crafting temporary structures from shipping containers. The venue promotes inventive manufacturing and houses several art studios, along with the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London provides excellent deals if you know where to find them, with numerous options for affordable yet scrumptious meals. Throughout my stay in London, I’ve curated a list of eateries offering various promotions around the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One particular spot is in South Kensington, where a seafood establishment named Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, serving oysters at just £1 each! This is an incredible bargain, especially if you long for the flavors of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters to your satisfaction!
Tooting in South London is also recognized for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food venues boasting a diverse array of cuisines. If you seek food that evokes memories of home, I highly suggest checking out the Tooting food markets!
Escaping the city
While the city’s pace is part of London’s allure, occasionally the Tube becomes too loud, or the streets are overwhelmingly crowded. Fortunately, London is centrally located within a vast network of trains and coaches, simplifying the escape from the city for a weekend getaway.
My favorite destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a charming medieval town in southern England, rich with history and accommodating for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, which is an excellent day trip, particularly in the summer.
In summary, London is a bustling city brimming with opportunities and locations to explore, so take your time to uncover all that the city has to offer during your period at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story