Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it’s a brief span, I’ve gathered some valuable experiences throughout this time. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by its dynamic communities. Students enjoy a wide array of choices right at their fingertips. Various student residences and private accommodations provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their upcoming living spaces online, assess the amenities available, and identify the closest public transport connections.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London boasts a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate between zones. Personally, I was keen to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 per day. I opted for walking short distances instead of utilizing the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have significantly reduced commuting costs for university travel. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. With Central London housing major sights, living expenses tend to be quite steep. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is time-saving when managing errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in which to reside can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial aspect of its cultural identity, providing a rich assortment of diverse areas. Numerous international students in London yearn for the comfort of their native country. Southall, located in West London, has a large South Asian populace, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Situated in the midst of London’s West End, Chinatown is a vibrant hub with an array of Chinese restaurants, retail outlets, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community-centered neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to live in London depend on your preferences and requirements. While looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the variety and richness of its housing choices, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.