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 spent in London have proven to be the most rewarding and enjoyable period of my life.
London is a diverse, multicultural, historical, and lively city with an extensive array of restaurants, events, and attractions – every exploration feels like an adventure! However, adapting to life in a new country can pose challenges. Here are some insights I gained while moving to London as an international student, along with a few tips and advice for getting settled.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in moving to London is selecting the ideal residence. By utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I investigated various neighborhoods across London that could be enjoyable to live in. I found out that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney offers a peaceful and green residential setting.
I was lucky enough to visit London prior to starting my Master’s program, permitting me to check out these neighborhoods firsthand before making my decision on where to live. After settling on Putney, my flatmates (whom I had met during my undergraduate studies) and I employed accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, organized online viewings with landlords, and ultimately discovered a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
After you’ve unpacked and styled your new abode, a plethora of opportunities and events is at your fingertips – the challenge of residing in London lies in choosing which activities to participate in and finding the time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a vast district that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Within close proximity are a number of incredible museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are perfect for exploration, and some even offer late openings on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, turning the museum into a small rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I take pleasure in exploring East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The region is rich with historical and artistic locations, making it an ideal area to stroll and uncover new experiences. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – built on the site of a former canning warehouse, it now accommodates a startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex is a hub for creative manufacturing and features numerous art studios, as well as the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents affordable options if you know where to seek, with many choices for budget-friendly yet high-quality cuisine. Throughout my stay in London, I’ve compiled a list of eateries offering a variety of deals across the city, making dining out more economical.
One such location is in South Kensington, featuring a wonderful seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers that hosts an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just £1 each! It’s an excellent deal, particularly if you long for the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters without spending excessively!
Tooting in South London is also well-known for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets providing a multitude of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that evokes memories of home, I highly recommend checking out the Tooting food markets!
Escaping the city for a break
While the city’s vibrancy is part of London’s allure, sometimes the Tube can be overwhelming, or the streets too congested, with crowds everywhere. Luckily, London is centrally located in a fantastic network of trains and coaches, facilitating easy escapes from the city for a weekend.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England rich with history and accommodating to students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, which makes for a delightful day trip, especially during the summer.
Ultimately, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to explore everything this city has to offer while you’re at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/Stories/my-imperial-story-emilio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener