{"id":346450,"date":"2026-04-06T07:08:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T07:08:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346450"},"modified":"2026-04-06T07:08:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T07:08:04","slug":"lessons-gained-from-experiencing-life-in-london-as-an-imperial-scholar-15","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346450","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 island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating, yet the last 18 months in London have been remarkably fulfilling and enjoyable.<\/p>\n

London is a multifaceted, multicultural, historic, and lively city featuring an extensive array of restaurants, events, and attractions. Discovering it is consistently an adventure! Nonetheless, adjusting to life in a different country can be difficult. Below are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with advice on what to consider once you\u2019re settled.<\/p>\n

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

The initial step in relocating to London involves finding the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to investigate various neighborhoods in London. Camden Town is famous for its nightlife, Hackney is a developing area in east London, and Putney is a serene, green residential zone.<\/p>\n

After having visited London prior to commencing my Master\u2019s, I explored these neighborhoods firsthand before opting for Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, organized online viewings with landlords, and ultimately found a pleasant flat close to Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

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

After settling down, a plethora of opportunities and events await you. The difficulty in London lies in selecting which activities to engage in and carving out time for them all!<\/p>\n

Imperial\u2019s South Kensington Campus resides in the Albertopolis area, a neighborhood dedicated to art, manufacturing, and science. Close by, you can discover the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to explore, and some remain open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a spirited gathering with drinks and live music!<\/p>\n

In addition to museum visits, I love wandering through East London areas such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is replete with historical and artistic sites, making it a wonderful area to explore. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, established on an old canning warehouse. It currently hosts a startup that creates temporary structures from shipping containers and features several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!<\/p>\n

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

London presents numerous bargains if you know where to search, with many chances for affordable yet tasty cuisine. I\u2019ve curated a list of dining spots with various deals across the city, making it easier to enjoy meals out.<\/p>\n

One such venue is located in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour with oysters priced at just \u00a31 each! It\u2019s a fantastic deal, especially if you\u2019re longing for the taste of fresh seafood from home.<\/p>\n

Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets presenting a diverse array of cuisines. If you\u2019re seeking food that evokes memories of home, I strongly recommend checking out Tooting’s food markets!<\/p>\n

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

While the city’s rhythm is part of its allure, sometimes the Tube can get overwhelming, or the streets overly packed. Fortunately, London boasts excellent connections by train and coach, facilitating easy escapes from the city for a weekend.<\/p>\n

My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a picturesque medieval town in southern England, rich in history and featuring student-friendly locations. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) possesses an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.<\/p>\n

Overall, London is a dynamic city brimming with opportunities and places to discover. Take your time to uncover everything the city has in store during your stint at Imperial!<\/p>\n

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