Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the decision to leave a rural island in Spain for the largest city in Europe was intimidating. However, my last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and enjoyable of my life.
London is a lively, diverse, historic metropolis boasting a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions – every exploration is an adventure! Yet, adjusting to a new country can present challenges. Here are some insights I’ve gained as an international student in London, along with recommendations on what to do once you’re acclimated.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London is finding the ideal place to reside. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and community forums to research different London neighborhoods. I encountered Camden Town’s dynamic nightlife, Hackney’s burgeoning scene, and Putney’s tranquil, green residential ambiance.
Having visited London prior to my Master’s program, I walked through these neighborhoods firsthand before opting for Putney. My flatmates (from my undergraduate studies) and I turned to sites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate affordable house shares, organized online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’re settled, a plethora of opportunities and events lies ahead – the difficulty is deciding which activities to pursue and carving out time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district cherishing art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are fantastic museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to explore, and some remain open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a vibrant party atmosphere with drinks and live music!
Apart from museums, I relish discovering East London regions like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and the Isle of Dogs. The area brims with historical and artistic ventures, making it a pleasurable place to roam. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – once a former canning warehouse, it now houses a startup focused on creating temporary structures using shipping containers. The complex celebrates innovative manufacturing and hosts numerous art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday labored!
Dining in London
London provides great deals if you know where to seek, with numerous options for affordable yet high-quality food. Throughout my stay here, I’ve compiled a list of dining locations featuring various deals across the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One such location is in South Kensington, where the Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just £1 each! It’s a fantastic deal, especially if you long for the taste of seafood from home.
Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its culinary culture. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are sizable indoor street food markets that present a variety of cuisines. If you’re in search of food reminiscent of home, I strongly recommend checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
Though the city’s tempo is part of its allure, at times the Tube gets overly noisy, and the streets become too crowded. Thankfully, London is centrally located within an extensive network of trains and coaches, facilitating easy escapes from the city for a weekend getaway.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town located in southern England, rich in history and accommodating to students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.
In summary, London is a vibrant city brimming with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover everything it has to offer during your time at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.