Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I have gathered several observations during this time. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its dynamic communities. Students have numerous options readily available. Both student housing and private rentals present a range of alternative choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, encompassing facilities and access to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room situated in Central London to remain near significant landmarks, social centres, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to navigate and journey between zones. I aspired to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made my university commutes less costly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to areas situated outside central London. The fare for inter-zone travel on these services differs according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London hosts prominent attractions, contributing to higher living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is more challenging to find in private properties.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near important stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse areas. Many international students search for a sense of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant enclave brimming with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The optimal locations to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of available accommodation options, delve into cultural districts, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.