Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration may appear brief, I’ve gathered some perspectives in this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its diverse living arrangements but also for its rich array of communities. Students have numerous options available. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private sleeping quarters, studio flats, and houses to share. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, view amenities, and evaluate distance from public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation and commuting between zones. I sought to keep travel expenses low since inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground network to areas beyond central London, with ticket prices varying based on distance and train company fare structures. Central London’s major landmarks contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to co-rent a room and substantially lessen our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age demographics, a combination that’s harder to find in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more affordable options. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is not an easy task. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural richness, showcasing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for connections to their home countries within London. Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale featuring many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When embarking on a search for a new place in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.