{"id":346524,"date":"2026-04-06T09:08:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T09:08:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346524"},"modified":"2026-04-06T09:08:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T09:08:04","slug":"insights-gained-from-experiencing-life-in-london-as-an-imperial-scholar-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346524","title":{"rendered":"Insights Gained from Experiencing Life in London as an Imperial Scholar"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

The choice to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was intimidating. Nonetheless, the previous 18 months in London have proven to be the most rewarding and thrilling of my existence.<\/p>\n

London is a dynamic, diverse, and historic metropolis filled with a vast selection of restaurants, events, and attractions\u2014navigating it is perpetually a new adventure! Yet, acclimating to life in a foreign country can present challenges. Below are some insights I gained as an international student settling in London, along with advice on what to do once you’ve made yourself at home.<\/p>\n

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

The initial step in relocating to London is identifying the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and various online forums to investigate different neighborhoods in London. I uncovered the bustling nightlife of Camden Town, the burgeoning scene in Hackney, and the peaceful, green residential atmosphere of Putney.<\/p>\n

Having visited London prior to commencing my Master\u2019s, I personally explored these neighborhoods before deciding on Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I leveraged accommodation platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate budget-friendly house shares, set up online viewings with landlords, and secured a charming flat close to Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

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

Once you\u2019re settled, a plethora of opportunities and events is at your fingertips\u2014living in London entails selecting from a myriad of activities and carving out time to partake in them all!<\/p>\n

Imperial\u2019s South Kensington Campus nestles in the Albertopolis area, which pays homage to art, manufacturing, and science. Close by are the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A Museum. These destinations are fantastic to visit, with some staying open late on Fridays. The V&A organizes a V&A Late on the last Friday of the month, transforming the museum into a lively event with beverages and live music!<\/p>\n

In addition to museums, I enjoy roaming around East London neighborhoods such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is steeped in history and creative projects, making it an enjoyable area to explore. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, constructed on a former canning warehouse and now home to a startup that produces temporary structures from shipping containers. It celebrates innovative manufacturing and hosts art studios as well as the original lighthouse laboratory where Michael Faraday conducted his work!<\/p>\n

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

London presents great deals if you know where to look, with numerous choices for affordable yet excellent food. I\u2019ve compiled a list of dining spots featuring deals throughout the city, making eating out budget-friendly.<\/p>\n

One notable location is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters at just \u00a31 each! It\u2019s an excellent find, particularly if you yearn for the taste of seafood from home.<\/p>\n

Tooting in South London is renowned for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing various cuisines. If you seek food reminiscent of home, don\u2019t miss the Tooting food markets!<\/p>\n

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

Although the city\u2019s tempo is part of London\u2019s allure, there are times when the Tube can become excessively noisy or the streets overly packed. Luckily, London is well-serviced by trains and coaches, making weekend getaways a breeze.<\/p>\n

My favorite getaways include Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and accommodating to students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer excursion.<\/p>\n

All in all, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to discover all it has to offer during your tenure at Imperial!<\/p>\n

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