Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months residing in London. Although it might not appear to be a long duration, I have acquired a significant amount of knowledge during this period. London is an energetic city, not only for its diverse accommodation options but also for the communities that reside here. Students have a wide array of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
In my search for a place to reside, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain 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 features an excellent transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate the city and travel between zones. I aimed to reduce travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made university journeys more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The city’s prominent attractions contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, greatly lowering our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on daily tasks, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural diversity, offering a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students hope to find a sense of their home country within London. Southall in West London features a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation alternatives, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.