Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months residing in London. Although my time here isn’t extensive, I have gathered some valuable experiences. London is a bustling metropolis, known not just for its diverse living arrangements but also for its multicultural societies. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, check amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones effortless. I aimed to keep travel expenses low as inter-zonal commuting could amount to £5.25 daily. I preferred to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare system. Major attractions in central London contribute to higher living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse locales. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas for living in London are determined by personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.