Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
The choice to relocate from a rural Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and enjoyable of my life.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, and historic metropolis with a diverse selection of restaurants, events, and attractions – navigating it is always an adventure! However, adjusting to life in a foreign country can prove to be quite challenging. Here are some insights I gathered as an international student in London, accompanied by some advice for when you’re settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in moving to London is identifying the right place to call your residence. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to investigate various neighborhoods in London. I discovered that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a developing area in east London, and Putney is a tranquil, green residential neighborhood.
I was lucky enough to visit London before commencing my Master’s degree, which enabled me to experience these areas firsthand. I opted for Putney, and my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate reasonable house shares. We arranged online viewings with landlords and ultimately found a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve settled in, a myriad of opportunities and events awaits you – the challenge in London lies in deciding which activities to embark upon and carving out time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Close by, there are incredible museums including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic for exploration, and several remain open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, an open celebration featuring drinks and live music!
In addition to museums, I love exploring East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and the Isle of Dogs. This region is brimming with historical and artistic landmarks. My favorite place is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup producing temporary structures from shipping containers. It celebrates innovative manufacturing and houses art studios and the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his research!
Dining out in London
London provides excellent culinary deals if you know where to search. I’ve curated a list of dining locations that offer discounts throughout the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour offering oysters for just £1 each! It’s a fantastic deal, particularly if you’re yearning for the taste of home seafood.
Tooting in South London is celebrated for its food culture. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets presenting diverse cuisines. If you’re in search of food that reminds you of home, I suggest checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a break from the hustle of the city
While the rhythm of London’s city life is part of its allure, there are times when the Tube becomes too noisy or the streets too congested. Thankfully, London’s exceptional train and coach network facilitates easy escapes from the city for a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, steeped in history and featuring student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.
All in all, London is a lively city teeming with opportunities and places to discover. Take your time to experience everything the city has to offer during your tenure at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, read my Imperial story.