{"id":346968,"date":"2026-04-06T23:47:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T23:47:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346968"},"modified":"2026-04-06T23:47:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T23:47:14","slug":"insights-gained-from-residing-in-london-as-an-imperial-scholar-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=346968","title":{"rendered":"Insights Gained from Residing in London as an Imperial Scholar"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Choosing to leave a rural island in Spain for the biggest city in Europe was intimidating. Yet, the last 18 months in London have proven to be the most enriching and enjoyable period of my life.<\/p>\n

London is a multifaceted, culturally rich, historic, and vibrant city offering an extensive selection of restaurants, events, and attractions \u2013 each exploration turns into a new adventure! However, acclimating to a different country can pose difficulties. Here are some insights I gathered while relocating to London as an international student, along with advice and recommendations on what actions to take once you\u2019ve settled down.<\/p>\n

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

The initial step to relocating to London is identifying the ideal place to reside. Through Instagram, TikTok, and online discussion boards, I investigated numerous neighborhoods throughout London that might be enjoyable to inhabit. I learned that Camden Town boasts a lively nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning area in east London, and Putney is a tranquil and green residential zone.<\/p>\n

I was fortunate enough to explore London before commencing my Master\u2019s program, enabling me to visit these districts in person before making a choice on where to settle. After opting for Putney, my flatmates (who I met in undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to find reasonably priced house shares, arranged online viewings with landlords, and located a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

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

Once you\u2019re settled, an array of opportunities and events awaits \u2013 the challenge in London lies in selecting which activities to participate in and carving out time for all of them!<\/p>\n

Imperial\u2019s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a locale that celebrates art, industry, and science. Nearby are amazing museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are wonderful to discover, and some remain open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of each month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, an open social gathering with refreshments and live performances!<\/p>\n

Apart from touring museums, I enjoy wandering through East London locations like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. The region is rich in history and artistic endeavors, making it an excellent area to stroll and uncover new things. My favorite place is Trinity Buoy Wharf \u2013 built on the site of an old canning factory, it now houses a startup that creates temporary installations using shipping containers. The complex embraces creative production and features art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday worked!<\/p>\n

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

London offers great deals if you know where to seek, with numerous choices for inexpensive yet delightful meals. During my time in London, I\u2019ve curated a list of eateries with various discounts across the city, making dining out more affordable.<\/p>\n

One location in South Kensington is where Wright Brothers has an Oyster Happy Hour, selling oysters for just \u00a31 each! It\u2019s a fantastic offer, especially if you long for the flavors of home-cooked seafood.<\/p>\n

Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets that feature a range of cuisines. If you crave food that evokes memories of home, I highly suggest checking out the Tooting food markets!<\/p>\n

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

While the pulse of the city contributes to London\u2019s allure, occasionally the Tube becomes too noisy or the streets overly crowded. Luckily, London is situated at the center of an excellent network of trains and buses, allowing for easy getaways for a weekend.<\/p>\n

My preferred weekend destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts an expansive botanical garden in Wisley, a splendid outing, particularly in the summer.<\/p>\n

Overall, London is a lively city teeming with opportunities and places to uncover, so take your time to experience everything it has to offer during your stay at Imperial!<\/p>\n

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