Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve acquired some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its various living arrangements but also because of its communities. Students have an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing options online, assess amenities, and discover nearby public transport connections.
While looking for a residence, I preferred a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it convenient to traverse and travel between zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk short distances rather than using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, providing a rich tapestry of diverse localities. Many international students look for elements of their home country within London. Southall in West London hosts a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, boasts numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.