Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Making the decision to relocate from a rural isle in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have turned out to be the most fulfilling and entertaining period of my life.
London is a vibrant, multicultural, historic, and dynamic city, boasting a vast array of restaurants, events, and attractions. Every exploration feels like an adventure! Yet, adapting to life in a new country can present its challenges. Below are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with suggestions on what to do once you’ve made yourself at home.
Relocating to London as a graduate student
The initial step in relocating to London involves identifying the ideal place to reside. I turned to Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to investigate different neighborhoods in London. I came across Camden Town’s lively nightlife, Hackney’s budding atmosphere, and Putney’s serene, green residential feel.
Having visited London prior to starting my Master’s, I checked out these neighborhoods firsthand before opting for Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to search for budget-friendly house shares, scheduled online viewings, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities to enjoy in London
After you’ve settled in, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits you. The difficulty in London lies in choosing which activities to engage in and finding the time to experience them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in Albertopolis, a neighborhood that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are amazing museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to explore, with some extending their hours on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A presents V&A Late, transforming the museum into a lively gathering with drinks and live music!
Apart from museums, I love discovering East London areas like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is rich in history and artistic endeavors, making it an excellent place to stroll and uncover new sights. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, located on a former canning warehouse site, now home to an enterprise creating temporary structures from shipping containers. It promotes creative manufacturing and features art studios, as well as the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his research!
Dining in London
London presents numerous bargains if you know where to search, with ample options for inexpensive yet delicious food. Throughout my stay in London, I’ve curated a list of eateries with various deals that make dining out more budget-friendly.
One of these establishments is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers hosts an Oyster Happy Hour, featuring oysters for just £1 each! It’s an incredible offer, especially if you long for the taste of home seafood and wish to enjoy oysters to your heart’s (and wallet’s) extent!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets providing a diverse selection of cuisines. If you’re in search of food reminiscent of home, I highly suggest exploring Tooting’s food markets!
Taking a respite from the city
While the city’s pace is part of London’s allure, at times the Tube can feel overwhelming, or the streets too hectic. Fortunately, London’s extensive train and coach network makes weekend getaways easily accessible.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, filled with history and student-friendly locales. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a spacious botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.
In summary, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to explore all it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!
To learn more about my adventures, read my Imperial story.