{"id":391711,"date":"2026-06-24T21:08:05","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T21:08:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=391711"},"modified":"2026-06-24T21:08:05","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T21:08:05","slug":"getting-ready-for-studies-at-imperial-68","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=391711","title":{"rendered":"Getting Ready for Studies at Imperial"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing<\/em><\/p>\n

Upon my first arrival in London, the city struck me as vast, noisy, rapid, and somewhat daunting. Armed with only a suitcase and Google Maps, I felt uncertain about where to start. If you’re about to face this, don’t fret. Here’s how to set your new life in London on the right path before commencing at Imperial, allowing you to relish being new in the city.<\/p>\n

Whether you come weeks in advance or just before classes begin, here\u2019s the guidance I wish someone had shared with me.<\/p>\n

First things first: secure your accommodation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Eliminate expensive hotel stays by arranging your housing early. I was lucky, but not everyone is, as the top options fill up fast. Seek a location close to your campus or a dependable Tube line \u2013 early morning classes are challenging if you’re over an hour away.<\/p>\n

Administrative tasks: getting the necessary basics<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Once you\u2019re in London, handle these critical tasks:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Money transfers \u2013 as an international student, find a trustworthy, cost-effective method to send money from home. Services like Wise or Revolut protected me from unfavorable exchange rates.<\/li>\n
  • UK SIM card \u2013 without internet access, navigating directions will be difficult. Acquire a UK SIM card and data soon after your arrival.<\/li>\n
  • Bank account \u2013 some banks require a UK residence, but digital banks such as Monzo or Starling are efficient and ideal for students. Set up an account for regular transactions and part-time job payments.<\/li>\n
  • Student ID card \u2013 this provides access to campus facilities, libraries, and student discounts. Obtain it as soon as you can.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Your initial week at Imperial matters greatly<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Your debut week at Imperial is significant. You\u2019ll encounter flatmates, classmates, and potential friends. Actively engage with Welcome Week to delve into over 350 student-led clubs and societies and register for those that catch your interest.<\/p>\n

    Even if you\u2019re hesitant, challenge yourself to participate. I did, and I formed close friendships during campus tours and society events. Your first week sets the foundation for your university experience.<\/p>\n

    Getting around London: travel wisely<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    During my first week, I struggled to comprehend the Tube and buses, leading me to walk nine kilometers across London. It was chaotic but unforgettable \u2013 don\u2019t replicate my experience. Obtain your Student Oyster card and request the 18+ discount to travel on the Tube and buses at a lower cost.<\/p>\n

    Walking remains the finest way to immerse yourself in the city and its culture. London is filled with hidden treasures that reveal themselves as you explore.<\/p>\n

    Establish your favorite spots<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    London may appear overwhelming, especially at first. Identifying a comfort spot is beneficial \u2013 mine is the park near my home. I frequent it daily to relax and recharge. My other go-to place is the O2, just 10 minutes away, where I enjoy weekly movie outings to unwind.<\/p>\n

    Discover your own refuge, whether it\u2019s a cafe, bookstore, or a bench by the river. These locales help you decompress and reset.<\/p>\n

    And remember to explore!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Become familiar with your frequently visited areas around campus and your residence. Identify your nearest supermarket, pharmacy, parks, and favorite dining or coffee spots.<\/p>\n

    Visit iconic landmarks. Dedicate weekends to discovering your new city. Explore free museums. Take a ride on a red double-decker bus for the view. Wander without a specific plan. Some of your best memories will arise from getting a bit lost!<\/p>\n

    Final advice before immersing yourself<\/strong> in Imperial student life<\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Acquire a reusable bag \u2013 stores typically charge for single-use ones.<\/li>\n
    • Invest in a waterproof jacket \u2013 umbrellas won\u2019t shield you from the wind.<\/li>\n
    • Embrace unusual events \u2013 they lead to the best stories.<\/li>\n
    • Don’t panic if you feel disoriented \u2013 it\u2019s a common experience for everyone initially.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      You don\u2019t need to have it all figured out on day one. If you\u2019re reading this, you\u2019re already in a better position than I was when starting at Imperial \u2013 so take a deep breath, grab your Oyster card, and commence your London adventure one red bus ride and Tesco visit at a time.<\/p>\n

      To discover more about my journey, <\/em><\/strong><a href="https:\/\/www.imperial.ac.uk\/Stories\/my-imperial-story-vijay\/" target<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      By Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing Upon my first arrival in London, the city struck me as vast, noisy, rapid, and somewhat daunting. Armed with only a suitcase and Google Maps, I felt uncertain about where to start. If you’re about to face this, don’t fret. Here’s how to set your new life in London…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":391712,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-391711","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\/391711","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=391711"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/391711\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/391712"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=391711"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=391711"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=391711"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}