Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching nine months of residing in London. While this might not seem extensive, I have accumulated some valuable observations. London is a dynamic metropolis, with a diverse selection of housing options and thriving communities. Students find themselves with plenty of alternatives, as both student accommodations and private housing feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared rooms and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly coordinate apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential lodging online, examine amenities, and gauge closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for suitable living arrangements, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near prominent sights, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six overlapping zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, which encompasses the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, since inter-zonal fares can reach as high as £5.25 each day; therefore, I decided to walk for short distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for these connections fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Residing in Central London comes with high costs due to popular attractions. Thankfully, I shared accommodation with a friend from university, which significantly cut down on rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would have been more difficult to achieve in private accommodations.
Being near grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The convenience of being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be difficult. The city’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their native country in London. Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural festivities. These examples illustrate just a fraction of the community neighborhoods available.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are dictated by personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.