Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this might not seem like a long time, I’ve gathered some valuable experiences. London is an energetic metropolis, featuring a wide variety of living arrangements and dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private units, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings for flats, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective accommodations online, showcasing their facilities and distance from public transport services.
During my quest for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, vibrant social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a robust transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and railway systems, making travel and navigation between zones straightforward. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses because crossing zones could cost up to £5.25 a day. I decided to walk for shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, options with an oyster card have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services operate outside the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare system. Major attractions in Central London contribute to higher living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a mate allowed us to split a room, significantly lowering the rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops, such as grocery outlets and pharmacies, helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, providing a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek to find a touch of familiarity from their home nations in London. Southall, located in West London, is known for its significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district with numerous Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of vibrant community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residing in London are influenced by personal interests and necessities. While looking for a new place to stay in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, investigate cultural neighborhoods, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.