{"id":346265,"date":"2026-04-06T00:38:05","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T00:38:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346265"},"modified":"2026-04-06T00:38:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T00:38:05","slug":"lessons-gained-from-residing-in-london-as-an-imperial-scholar-15","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346265","title":{"rendered":"Lessons Gained from Residing in London as an Imperial Scholar"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Transitioning from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was overwhelming. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have proven to be the most gratifying and exhilarating period of my life.<\/p>\n

London is a dynamic, diverse, historical metropolis with a vast selection of eateries, events, and attractions\u2014venturing through it is perpetually an adventure! However, adapting to life in a foreign country can pose difficulties. Here are a few insights I’ve gained as an international student in London, along with suggestions on what to do once you’ve settled in.<\/p>\n

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

The initial step in relocating to London is finding the ideal place to establish as home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate various areas of London. Camden Town is famed for its nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming locale in east London, and Putney presents a serene, green residential area.<\/p>\n

I was lucky to visit London prior to commencing my Master\u2019s, permitting me to check out these neighborhoods firsthand before selecting Putney. My flatmates (whom I connected with during undergraduate studies) and I relied on platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, arranged virtual viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

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

After you’ve settled in, a realm of opportunities and events awaits\u2014the difficulty lies in deciding which activities to engage in and carving out time for them all!<\/p>\n

Imperial\u2019s South Kensington Campus is situated in Albertopolis, a district that honors art, industry, and science. Nearby are magnificent museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums offer great exploration potential, and some extend their hours late on Fridays. On the last Friday of each month, the V&A organizes a V&A Late event, transforming the museum into a lively gathering complete with drinks and live music!<\/p>\n

Beyond museum visits, I take pleasure in discovering East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is steeped in history and artistic initiatives, making it an intriguing area to stroll through. My preferred location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on a former canning warehouse, now home to a startup that constructs temporary structures from shipping containers. The site celebrates creative manufacturing and houses art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!<\/p>\n

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

London boasts fantastic food deals if you know where to search. Throughout my stay here, I’ve compiled a list of dining establishments with offers throughout the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.<\/p>\n

One such place is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just \u00a31 each! This is an amazing offer, particularly if you miss home seafood and desire to savor oysters without exceeding your budget!<\/p>\n

Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are spacious indoor street food markets showcasing a variety of cuisines. If you\u2019re longing for food from home, I highly recommend checking out Tooting\u2019s food markets!<\/p>\n

Escaping the city<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the city\u2019s rhythm contributes to London\u2019s allure, there are moments when the Tube is too noisy, or the streets are excessively packed. Thankfully, London is conveniently linked by trains and coaches, facilitating easy weekend getaways.<\/p>\n

My favorite getaway spots are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and friendly to students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer day trip.<\/p>\n

In summary, London is a vibrant city brimming with possibilities and avenues to explore. Take your time to uncover everything the city has in store during your time at Imperial!<\/p>\n

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