Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this timespan may seem brief, I’ve accumulated several observations. London is a bustling metropolis, not only due to its varied housing selections but also because of its dynamic communities. Students have a wide array of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide numerous choices, including en-suite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom support international students in exploring potential housing online, assessing amenities, and evaluating closeness to public transport.
During my hunt for housing, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to popular sites, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the core areas. London features an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones simple. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal commutes could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk brief distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train provider. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination less frequently found in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby helps save time on tasks, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their native country. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, take in the diversity and vibrancy of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.