{"id":345861,"date":"2026-04-05T12:08:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T12:08:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=345861"},"modified":"2026-04-05T12:08:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T12:08:04","slug":"insights-gained-from-residing-in-london-as-an-imperial-student-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=345861","title":{"rendered":"Insights Gained from Residing in London as an Imperial Student"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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

London is a lively, multicultural, historic metropolis featuring an array of restaurants, events, and attractions \u2013 discovering it is always an adventure! However, adapting to life in a foreign country can present challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with tips on settling in once you arrive.<\/p>\n

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

The initial task of moving to London involves finding the ideal residence. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to research different areas of London in search of a fun living environment. I encountered Camden Town’s energetic nightlife, Hackney’s up-and-coming vibe, and the peaceful, green atmosphere of Putney.<\/p>\n

Having traveled to London prior to starting my Master’s, I personally visited these neighborhoods before settling on Putney. My flatmates (who I met during my undergraduate studies) and I used rental websites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, arranged virtual viewings, and ultimately secured a lovely apartment near Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

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

After getting settled, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits you \u2013 the real challenge is choosing which activities to pursue and allocating time for them!<\/p>\n

Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is located in the Albertopolis district, known for its celebration of art, industry, and science. Nearby are incredible museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are enjoyable to visit, with some open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a vibrant event featuring drinks and live music!<\/p>\n

Apart from museums, I relish exploring East London’s neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The area boasts rich history and artistic initiatives, creating a charming environment to wander. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, situated on the site of an old canning warehouse. It now houses a startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers and features several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his experiments!<\/p>\n

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

London presents excellent dining deals if you know where to find them. I’ve put together a list of eateries with various promotions across the city, making it easier to enjoy meals out.<\/p>\n

One such venue is in South Kensington, where the Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, serving oysters for only \u00a31 each! It’s an incredible deal, especially if you’re longing for seafood from back home.<\/p>\n

Tooting in South London is famous for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets offering diverse culinary options. If you\u2019re in search of flavors that remind you of home, I highly recommend visiting Tooting’s food markets!<\/p>\n

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

While London’s urban energy contributes to its allure, sometimes the Tube can become overwhelming or the streets excessively crowded. Luckily, London has excellent train and coach connections, making weekend getaways easy.<\/p>\n

My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and friendly spots for students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.<\/p>\n

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

To learn more about my journey, <\/em><\/strong>read my Imperial story. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n