Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear to be an extensive duration, I’ve gained a fair amount of experience. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not only for its variety of living arrangements but also for its lively communities. Students find themselves with abundant options at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private lodgings present a range of alternatives, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective accommodations online, examine amenities, and locate nearby public transport options.
In my hunt for a residence, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying the navigation and movement between zones. My goal was to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips can escalate to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nonetheless, Oyster card choices have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend coverage beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the heart of London. Fares for travel between zones on these services differ depending on distance and the specific fare schedule of each rail operator. Central London houses significant attractions, contributing to high living costs. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, yielding considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and ages, a blend that’s more difficult to encounter in private residences.
Being near grocery shops was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The closeness to necessary stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time for errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is complex. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, providing varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London vary based on your interests and requirements. When searching for a new dwelling in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation opportunities, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.