{"id":346154,"date":"2026-04-05T21:08:05","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T21:08:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346154"},"modified":"2026-04-05T21:08:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T21:08:05","slug":"lessons-gained-residing-in-london-as-an-imperial-scholar-15","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346154","title":{"rendered":"Lessons Gained Residing in London as an Imperial Scholar"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics<\/em><\/p>\n

Transitioning from a rural Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nonetheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and exhilarating of my lifetime.<\/p>\n

London is a lively, diverse, historic metropolis with a vast selection of restaurants, events, and attractions \u2013 each exploration offers a new adventure! However, adjusting to life in a foreign country can prove to be difficult. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with advice for settling down.<\/p>\n

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

The initial task of moving to London is finding the perfect place to call home. Utilizing Instagram, TikTok, and online forums, I researched various neighborhoods in London that might be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning area in east London, and Putney is a serene, green residential locale.<\/p>\n

I was lucky enough to visit London prior to commencing my Master\u2019s, which enabled me to check out these neighborhoods firsthand before making a decision about where to live. After deciding on Putney, my flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate years) and I employed accommodation platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, arranged virtual viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

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

After you\u2019ve settled in and personalized your new space, a wealth of opportunities and events beckons \u2013 the difficulty in London lies in selecting which activities to participate in and finding time for them all!<\/p>\n

Imperial\u2019s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis region, a district that honors art, manufacturing, and scientific innovation. Close by are fantastic museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are great for exploration, and some stay open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A features a V&A Late, turning the museum into a lively affair with drinks and live performances!<\/p>\n

In addition to museums, I enjoy discovering East London locales such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and the Isle of Dogs. This area is brimming with historical and artistic attractions, making it a wonderful place to stroll and uncover hidden gems. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf \u2013 built on a former canning warehouse, it now hosts a Series B startup creating temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex promotes creative manufacturing and includes various art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!<\/p>\n

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

London presents excellent deals if you know where to seek, with numerous choices for affordable yet high-quality food. Throughout my time here, I\u2019ve assembled a list of dining establishments with offers throughout the city, making meals out more budget-friendly.<\/p>\n

One such location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters costing only \u00a31 each! This offer is incredible, especially if you’re yearning for the flavors of home seafood and wish to treat yourself to oysters without overspending!<\/p>\n

Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are extensive indoor street food markets that showcase a variety of cuisines. If you\u2019re in search of meals reminiscent of home, I strongly suggest checking out Tooting\u2019s food marketplaces!<\/p>\n

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

While London\u2019s urban pace is part of its allure, occasionally the Tube can become overwhelming, or the streets too congested. Fortunately, London is well-connected to an excellent train and coach network, making it simple to escape the city for a weekend.<\/p>\n

My preferred destinations for a getaway are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a charming medieval town in southern England, steeped in history and abundant with student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.<\/p>\n

In summary, London is a lively city filled with opportunities and places to uncover, so take your time exploring all it has to offer during your journey at Imperial!<\/p>\n

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