Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked the completion of nine months residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy duration, I’ve gathered some valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not just for its wide-ranging living options but also for its multicultural population. Students have a plethora of alternatives at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals provide choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can readily set up apartment viewings, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, including their features and proximity to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to 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 features an outstanding transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate the city and travel across zones. My aim was to cut down on transportation expenses, as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk for short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made daily commutes to university considerably cheaper. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas beyond the Underground, extending to regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services depend on the distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to major attractions, which leads to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to fundamental shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on chores, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. The ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse areas. Numerous international students in London prefer the comforts of their home culture. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with myriad Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London rely on personal tastes and requirements. To locate a new home in London, embrace its varied accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.