Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making 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 exhilarating of my existence.
London is a multicultural, diverse, historic, and lively city that boasts a myriad of restaurants, events, and attractions – exploring it is consistently a thrilling experience! Yet, acclimating to a new country can pose its challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with useful tips and advice for when you’ve settled in.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The initial step in relocating to London involves finding the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online discussion boards to investigate different areas of London. I found out that Camden Town has a bustling nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming region in east London, and Putney is a serene, green residential neighborhood.
Prior to commencing my Master’s, I had the opportunity to visit London, which allowed me to check out these neighborhoods firsthand before making my living arrangements. I opted for Putney, and with my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies), we leveraged accommodation websites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and ultimately discovered a pleasant flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
Once you’ve settled in and personalized your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events lies ahead – the difficulty in London is selecting which activities to partake in and finding the time for all of them!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis district, an area that honors art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, you’ll find fantastic museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These institutions are wonderful to explore, and some even have extended hours on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, converting the museum into a mini rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I enjoy wandering through East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is brimming with historical and artistic endeavors, making it an excellent locale for strolling and uncovering new discoveries. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf – established on a former canning warehouse, it now serves as the base for a startup focused on creating temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates creative manufacturing and hosts several art studios, along with the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!
Dining out in London
London presents numerous bargains if you know where to seek them, with plenty of options for inexpensive yet delightful dining. Throughout my stay in London, I’ve compiled a list of dining venues featuring various deals throughout the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.
One notable location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, letting you savor oysters for merely £1 each! It’s an exceptional deal, particularly if you crave the flavors of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters without overspending!
Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are large indoor markets offering a diverse array of street food. If you are in search of dishes that remind you of home, I strongly suggest checking out Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a breather from the city
While the city’s pace contributes to London’s allure, there are times when the Tube becomes too noisy, or the streets too crowded. Thankfully, London is centrally located within an excellent network of trains and coaches, making it convenient to escape the city for a weekend getaway.
My favorite spots to visit are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a charming medieval town in southern England, rich in history and featuring student-friendly locales. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, which offers a delightful day out, especially during the summer months.
In summary, London is a lively city abundant with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover all that it has to offer while you’re at Imperial!
To learn more about my journey, read my story at Imperial.