{"id":347858,"date":"2026-04-08T04:38:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T04:38:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=347858"},"modified":"2026-04-08T04:38:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T04:38:04","slug":"insights-gained-from-residing-in-london-as-an-imperial-scholar-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=347858","title":{"rendered":"Insights Gained from Residing in London as an Imperial Scholar"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Making the decision to move from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was quite intimidating. However, the last 18 months spent in London have proven to be the most rewarding and enjoyable period of my life.<\/p>\n

London is a dynamic, multicultural, and historic metropolis brimming with a diverse selection of restaurants, events, and attractions\u2014discovering it is consistently an adventure! Nevertheless, adjusting to life in a different country can pose difficulties. Below are some insights I’ve gained as an international student in London, along with advice and suggestions for when you’re getting settled.<\/p>\n

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

The initial task when moving to London is identifying the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online forums to research various areas in London that could be enjoyable to live in. I learned that Camden Town boasts an energetic nightlife, Hackney is a developing neighborhood in east London, and Putney is a tranquil, green residential zone.<\/p>\n

I was lucky enough to visit London prior to beginning my Master\u2019s, which enabled me to check out these areas firsthand before making my living arrangements. After selecting Putney, my flatmates (whom I encountered during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation search platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to locate affordable shared housing, arranged virtual viewings with landlords, and secured a charming flat close to Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

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

After settling in and furnishing your new space, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits you\u2014the real challenge in London is deciding which experiences to engage in and finding the time for them all!<\/p>\n

Imperial\u2019s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis region, a neighborhood that champions art, manufacturing, and science. In close proximity, you’ll discover an impressive collection of outstanding museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are delightful to explore, and some remain open late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, turning the museum into a lively gathering with drinks and live performances!<\/p>\n

In addition to visiting museums, I appreciate wandering through East London districts such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is rich in historical landmarks and artistic initiatives, providing an excellent environment for exploration and discovery. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf \u2013 established on a former canning facility, it now serves as a hub for a Series B startup that constructs temporary structures from shipping containers. The complex honors creative manufacturing 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 deals if you know where to search, with a wealth of options for reasonably priced yet fantastic cuisine. Throughout my stay in London, I have compiled a list of dining spots offering various bargains across the city, making eating out more budget-friendly.<\/p>\n

One such place is located in South Kensington, where you’ll find a marvelous seafood restaurant called Wright Brothers that provides an Oyster Happy Hour, allowing you to enjoy oysters for just \u00a31 each! This is an incredible bargain, especially if you long for the flavors of home seafood and wish to indulge in oysters without overspending!<\/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 showcasing a diverse array of cuisines. If you seek food that reminds you of home, I highly recommend checking out the food markets in Tooting!<\/p>\n

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

While the vibrant pace is part of London\u2019s allure, sometimes the Tube becomes too noisy, the streets too crowded, and the throngs of people overwhelming. Luckily, London is well-connected with a great network of trains and coaches, making it convenient to escape the city for a weekend.<\/p>\n

My favorite destinations to visit are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a picturesque medieval town in southern England, steeped in history and boasting plenty of student-friendly venues. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a vast botanical garden in Wisley, providing a delightful day out, particularly in summer.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, London is a lively city rich in opportunities and places to explore, so take your time to uncover everything the city has to offer during your time at Imperial!<\/p>\n

To discover more about my experiences, <\/em><\/strong>read my Imperial story<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics Making the decision to move from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was quite intimidating. However, the last 18 months spent in London have proven to be the most rewarding and enjoyable period of my life. London is a dynamic, multicultural, and historic…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":347859,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-347858","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/347858","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=347858"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/347858\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/347859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=347858"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=347858"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=347858"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}