{"id":348557,"date":"2026-04-09T04:38:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T04:38:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=348557"},"modified":"2026-04-09T04:38:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T04:38:04","slug":"lessons-gained-from-residing-in-london-as-an-imperial-scholar-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=348557","title":{"rendered":"Lessons Gained From Residing in London as an Imperial Scholar"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Choosing to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was quite intimidating. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and enjoyable of my life.<\/p>\n

London is a lively, multicultural, historical city teeming with a variety of restaurants, events, and attractions \u2013 every exploration is an adventure! However, adapting to life in a foreign country can be tough. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with some recommendations on what to do once you\u2019ve settled in.<\/p>\n

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

The initial step in moving to London is identifying the ideal place to call home. I utilized Instagram, TikTok, and online communities to research various appealing areas in London. I uncovered Camden Town’s vibrant nightlife, Hackney’s flourishing scene, and Putney’s serene, green residential atmosphere.<\/p>\n

After visiting London prior to starting my Master\u2019s, I personally explored these neighborhoods before selecting Putney. My flatmates (whom I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized websites like SpareRoom and Rightmove to look for budget-friendly house shares, arranged online viewings, and found a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

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

Once you’re settled, a plethora of opportunities awaits \u2013 the challenge in London lies in choosing which activities to engage in and finding the time for all of them!<\/p>\n

Imperial\u2019s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, showcasing art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby are incredible museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These are fantastic to explore, with some open late on Fridays. The V&A even hosts a V&A Late on the last Friday of each month, transforming into a small rave with beverages and live music!<\/p>\n

In addition to museums, I love discovering East London areas such as Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is steeped in history and artistic endeavors, making it a delightful area to stroll. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, a creative hub established on an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup constructing structures from shipping containers and several art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday worked!<\/p>\n

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

London features excellent food deals if you know where to seek. I\u2019ve put together a list of dining spots with offers throughout the city, making eating out more economical.<\/p>\n

One of these spots is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers provides an Oyster Happy Hour, with oysters priced at just \u00a31 each! It\u2019s an incredible deal, particularly if you long for the taste of familiar seafood.<\/p>\n

Tooting in South London is also renowned for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are large indoor street food markets offering a variety of cuisines. If you\u2019re looking for food that evokes memories of home, I highly suggest exploring Tooting’s food markets!<\/p>\n

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

While London\u2019s urban life is delightful, occasionally the Tube is a bit too noisy or the streets too packed. Thankfully, London is well linked by trains and coaches, making weekend getaways quite easy.<\/p>\n

My preferred escapes are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in historical significance and accommodating student-friendly spots. 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 vibrant city filled with possibilities and places to discover. Take your time to explore everything the city has to offer during your time at Imperial!<\/p>\n

For more insights into my experiences, <\/em><\/strong>read my Imperial story. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n