Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
The choice to leave the pastoral landscape of a rural Spanish island for the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nonetheless, my 18 months spent in London have become the most rewarding and enjoyable period of my life.
London is a dynamic, multicultural, historic, and exciting city, brimming with a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions—navigating it is always an adventure! However, adapting to life in a foreign country can be tough. Here are some insights I gained as an international student relocating to London, along with tips and advice for acclimatization.
Relocating to London as a postgraduate student
The first step in transitioning to London involves selecting the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to investigate different neighborhoods in London that might be enjoyable to inhabit. I found Camden Town to have an energetic nightlife, Hackney to be a rising hotspot in east London, and Putney to be a serene, green residential area.
I was lucky enough to visit London prior to commencing my Master’s degree, allowing me to personally explore these neighborhoods before making my moving decision. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, organized virtual viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.
Activities in London
After you’ve unpacked and adorned your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits – the challenge in London lies in choosing which activities to engage in and finding time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district that celebrates art, industry, and science. Nearby are fantastic museums, such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are delightful to explore, and some even offer late hours on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A holds a V&A Late, turning the museum into a mini rave complete with drinks and live music!
In addition to museum visits, I love exploring East London locales like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area brims with historical and artistic initiatives, making it a splendid place to wander and uncover new discoveries. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf – once an old canning depot, it currently houses a startup crafting temporary structures from shipping containers. The site celebrates creative manufacturing and encompasses various art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday was employed!
Dining in London
London offers fantastic deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for budget-friendly yet delicious meals. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of eateries with various offers across the city, making dining out more financially manageable.
One such location is in South Kensington, where a seafood establishment named Wright Brothers hosts an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for just £1 each! This presents an excellent opportunity, particularly if you are longing for the taste of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters to your heart’s (and budget’s) content!
Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets boasting a diverse array of cuisines. If you’re in search of bites that remind you of home, I highly recommend checking out the food markets in Tooting!
Taking a break from the city
While the urban rhythm contributes to London’s allure, sometimes the Tube can become overwhelmingly noisy, the streets too congested, and the crowds relentless. Fortunately, London boasts a robust network of trains and coaches, facilitating easy getaways from the city for a weekend.
My favorite getaways include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a charming medieval town in southern England, rich with history and student-friendly locales. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, perfect for a summer outing.
All in all, London is a vibrant city brimming with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to experience everything it has to offer during your period at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story