Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though it’s not an extensive period, I’ve picked up on several aspects. London is an energetic metropolis, notable for its variety of housing options as well as its vibrant communities. There are numerous selections available for students. Both student residences and private rentals provide different choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment showings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to view potential homes online, complete with amenities and access to transport links.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to be situated near key attractions, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy commuting and crossing between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, covering zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to significant attractions, which elevates living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix challenging to find in private properties.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is demanding. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Most international students in London seek familiarity akin to their native country. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a large South Asian presence, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, celebrate the diversity and depth of its accommodation choices, discover cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.