{"id":343707,"date":"2026-04-02T13:38:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T13:38:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=343707"},"modified":"2026-04-02T13:38:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T13:38:04","slug":"insights-gained-from-residing-in-london-as-an-imperial-scholar-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=343707","title":{"rendered":"Insights Gained from Residing in London as an Imperial Scholar"},"content":{"rendered":"

Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics<\/em><\/p>\n

Choosing to relocate from a rural Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling of my life.<\/p>\n

London is a lively, diverse, historic metropolis teeming with a plethora of restaurants, events, and attractions \u2013 discovering it is always an adventure! However, adjusting to life in a different country can present challenges. Here are some insights I gained while relocating to London as an international student, along with recommendations on what to do once you have settled in.<\/p>\n

Relocating to London as a postgraduate student<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the ideal place to reside. By utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I researched various neighborhoods in London that might be enjoyable to live in. I found Camden Town’s lively nightlife, Hackney’s rising scene, and Putney’s peaceful, green residential areas.<\/p>\n

Having visited London prior to commencing my Master’s program, I toured these neighborhoods in person before selecting Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to search for budget-friendly house shares, scheduled online viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

Activities in London<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Once you’ve settled down, an abundance of opportunities and events awaits you \u2013 the challenge in London is determining which activities to participate in and making time for them all!<\/p>\n

Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Close by, you will find fantastic museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are wonderful to explore, with some staying open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming into a lively gathering featuring drinks and live music!<\/p>\n

In addition to visiting museums, I relish exploring East London locales like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich in historical and artistic endeavors, making it a delightful place to wander. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup producing temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex celebrates creative manufacturing and houses several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday worked!<\/p>\n

Dine out in London<\/strong><\/h3>\n

London presents great deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for inexpensive yet delicious meals. Throughout my time in London, I’ve compiled a list of dining establishments with various discounts across the city, making eating out more economical.<\/p>\n

One venue is located in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just \u00a31 each! It’s an excellent bargain, particularly if you’re craving the taste of home seafood and wish to enjoy oysters without overspending!<\/p>\n

Tooting in South London is well-known for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are large indoor street food markets that provide an extensive variety of cuisines. If you’re in search of food that reminds you of home, I strongly suggest checking out the Tooting food markets!<\/p>\n

Taking a break from the urban hustle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the city’s energy adds to London’s allure, sometimes the Tube becomes overwhelming, or the streets too crowded. Luckily, London is conveniently connected by trains and coaches, making it simple to escape the urban environment for a weekend.<\/p>\n

My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and filled with student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a large botanical garden in Wisley, which makes for a fantastic day trip, especially in the summertime.<\/p>\n

Overall, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and locales to explore, so take your time to uncover everything it has to offer during your journey at Imperial!<\/p>\n

For more insights into my experiences, <\/em><\/strong>read my Imperial story. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n