{"id":346191,"date":"2026-04-05T22:08:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T22:08:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346191"},"modified":"2026-04-05T22:08:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T22:08:04","slug":"lessons-gained-from-experiencing-life-in-london-as-an-imperial-scholar-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346191","title":{"rendered":"Lessons Gained from Experiencing Life in London as an Imperial Scholar"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Transitioning from a rural Spanish island to the largest city in Europe was intimidating, yet the past year and a half in London has been remarkably fulfilling and enjoyable.<\/p>\n

London is a lively, diverse metropolis steeped in history and brimming with activities, turning any exploration into an exciting journey. However, adapting to a new country can pose its difficulties. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, coupled with advice on settling in once you arrive.<\/p>\n

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

The initial phase of moving to London involves selecting the ideal place to live. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and various online communities to investigate different neighborhoods. Camden Town is famous for its nightlife, Hackney is on the rise, and Putney provides a serene, green atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Having visited London prior to starting my Master’s, I checked out these neighborhoods personally before deciding on Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I took advantage of platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to seek out budget-friendly house shares, set up online viewings, and ultimately secured a lovely flat near Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

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

After settling in, countless opportunities are at your fingertips. The difficulty lies in selecting which activities to partake in and making time for everything!<\/p>\n

Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in Albertopolis, a locale that honors the arts, manufacturing, and science. Close by, you can find remarkable museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. Some museums even extend their hours on Fridays, with the V&A hosting the monthly V&A Late, transforming the museum into a vibrant event featuring drinks and music.<\/p>\n

In addition to museums, I like to explore East London regions such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. These neighborhoods, rich in history and artistic endeavors, provide excellent opportunities for exploration. My favorite destination is Trinity Buoy Wharf, a creative space located in a former canning warehouse, housing art studios and the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work.<\/p>\n

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

London boasts excellent food deals if you know where to seek them. I’ve compiled a list of budget-friendly eateries across the city.<\/p>\n

One notable location is Wright Brothers in South Kensington, which features an Oyster Happy Hour with oysters priced at just \u00a31 each. It\u2019s an amazing bargain, particularly if you crave the taste of seafood from home.<\/p>\n

Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market showcase a plethora of cuisines. If you’re in search of familiar tastes, these markets are definitely worth a visit.<\/p>\n

Escaping the city for a bit<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the vibrancy of London adds to its allure, there are times when the city can become a bit too much. Fortunately, London offers excellent transport options for quick weekend getaways.<\/p>\n

I particularly enjoy visiting Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a quaint medieval town with plenty of student-friendly venues, and Surrey\u2019s RHS Wisley features a stunning botanical garden, ideal for a summer outing.<\/p>\n

All in all, London is a dynamic city teeming with opportunities and places to explore. Make sure to take your time uncovering everything it has in store while you’re at Imperial!<\/p>\n

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