Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months in London. Although my time here isn’t extensive, I’ve gained a wealth of experience. London is a vibrant city, presenting an array of living arrangements and multicultural neighborhoods. Students have numerous options, ranging from student residences to private lodgings, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while international students might utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore future living spaces online, review facilities, and discover links to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to be close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is split into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport framework, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily, leading me to often walk short distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Oyster card schemes have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground grid, serving areas outside central London, with fares fluctuating based on distance and the fare structures of the train companies. The high living costs near Central London’s prominent attractions pose a challenge. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, allowing us to share a room and significantly reduce rent. I favored intercollegiate accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more difficult through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The convenience of having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on chores, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting diverse locales. Numerous international students hunt for familiarity reminiscent of their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the West End is replete with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the variation and abundance of living options, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the ease and thrill of this extraordinary city.