{"id":346857,"date":"2026-04-06T19:38:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T19:38:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346857"},"modified":"2026-04-06T19:38:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T19:38:06","slug":"lessons-gained-from-residing-in-london-as-an-imperial-scholar-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346857","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 intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling of my life.<\/p>\n

London is a dynamic, multicultural, historical metropolis boasting an array of dining options, events, and attractions\u2014discovering it is always an adventure! However, adapting to a new country can pose challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international scholar in London, along with recommendations for what to do once you’re settled.<\/p>\n

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

The first step in relocating to London is identifying the perfect place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to research different neighborhoods in London. Camden Town is recognized for its nightlife, Hackney is an up-and-coming area in east London, and Putney is a tranquil, green residential neighborhood.<\/p>\n

Having visited London prior to embarking on my Master\u2019s, I explored these areas firsthand before settling on Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I used platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to discover affordable house shares, arranged online viewings with property owners, and ultimately found a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

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

Once you\u2019re established, a universe of opportunities and events is ready for you\u2014deciding which activities to participate in and carving out time for them can be a challenge!<\/p>\n

Imperial\u2019s South Kensington Campus is located in the Albertopolis region, a neighborhood honoring art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, you\u2019ll find the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are delightful to visit, and some remain open late on Fridays. The V&A hosts a V&A Late on the last Friday of every month, transforming the museum into a vibrant gathering spot with drinks and live music!<\/p>\n

In addition to museums, I love wandering through East London locales like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is steeped in history and artistic initiatives, making it an intriguing area to explore. My favorite site is Trinity Buoy Wharf, built on a former canning warehouse. It currently houses a startup that constructs temporary structures from shipping containers and features several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday was employed!<\/p>\n

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

London presents numerous bargains if you know where to seek, with ample choices for reasonably priced, scrumptious food. I\u2019ve compiled a list of eateries with various deals throughout the city, making dining out more cost-effective.<\/p>\n

In South Kensington, there’s a seafood establishment called Wright Brothers offering an Oyster Happy Hour, where oysters are just \u00a31 each! It’s an excellent deal, especially if you long for the taste of seafood from home.<\/p>\n

Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets featuring a variety of cuisines. If you\u2019re in search of food that evokes memories of home, I strongly suggest checking out the Tooting food markets!<\/p>\n

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

Although the city\u2019s pace is part of London\u2019s allure, sometimes the Tube becomes too noisy, or the streets too crowded. Fortunately, London is well-connected by trains and coaches, making it easy to retreat 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 student-friendly locales. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.<\/p>\n

In summary, London is a lively city brimming with opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover all that the city has to offer during your tenure at Imperial!<\/p>\n

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