By Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing
Stepping into London for the first time was quite daunting with its size, noise, and speed. With just a suitcase and Google Maps in hand, I felt uncertain about where to start. If you find yourself in a similar situation soon, don’t fret. Here’s how to get settled in London before your time at Imperial, allowing you to relish all that the city has to offer.
No matter if you’re getting there weeks in advance or right before classes start, here’s the guidance I wish I had received.
Secure Accommodation
Prevent expensive hotel expenses by organizing housing early. I was lucky, but not everyone has that advantage. The prime options disappear swiftly! Try to stay near campus or along a dependable Tube line to minimize travel time for those early classes.
Essential Life Administration
Tackle these necessities shortly after arriving in London:
- Money Transfers – As an overseas student, discover a trustworthy method to send money from back home. Applications like Wise or Revolut provide favorable exchange rates.
- UK SIM Card – Acquire a UK SIM card and data promptly to avoid wandering around without guidance.
- Bank Account – Some banks may require a UK address, but digital banks such as Monzo or Starling are efficient and cater to students. Open an account for daily expenses and part-time job payments.
- Student ID Card – This is essential for accessing campus facilities, libraries, and obtaining student discounts. Get it as soon as you can.
Significance of Your Initial Week at Imperial
Your initial week at Imperial is vital for your student experience. Connect with flatmates, classmates, and future companions. Participate in Welcome Week to discover over 350 student-led clubs and societies. Even if you’re reserved, challenge yourself to get involved. I forged close friendships during impromptu campus tours and society booths. Your first week establishes the vibe for your university experience.
Smart Travel in London
During my first week, I struggled with the Tube and buses and ended up trekking nine kilometers across London. It was an unforgettable adventure, albeit chaotic. Obtain your Student Oyster card and apply for the 18+ discount to travel more affordably on the Tube and buses. Walking remains a terrific way to explore and uncover hidden treasures in the city.
Identify Your Safe Havens
London can be emotionally intense, particularly at first. Having a comfort zone aids – mine is a nearby park where I retreat to breathe and recharge. Another spot is the O2, just a ten-minute ride away, where I indulge in weekly films to relax. Discover your own havens, be it a café, bookstore, or riverside bench, to unwind and regain your balance.
Discover!
Familiarize yourself with the frequently visited areas near campus and your residence. Identify your closest supermarket, pharmacy, parks, as well as your preferred dining or coffee spots. Tour iconic landmarks, visit free museums, ride on a red double-decker bus, and roam without a specific itinerary. Some of your finest memories will stem from those moments of getting slightly lost!
Final Suggestions Before Embarking on Imperial Student Life
- Grab a reusable bag – shops charge for single-use ones.
- Invest in a waterproof jacket – umbrellas fail in windy conditions.
- Embrace unusual events – they lead to memorable stories.
- Don’t fret if you feel disoriented – everyone experiences that initially.
You don’t have to have everything sorted out from day one. If you’re reading this, you are already ahead of where I was when I started at Imperial. Take a deep breath, grab your Oyster card, and embark on your London journey one red bus ride and Tesco visit at a time.
To find out more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.