Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though this may seem brief, I’ve picked up a few observations. London thrives as a bustling metropolis not only for its variety of housing alternatives but also for its lively communities. Students are presented with abundant options. Both student residences and private rentals encompass choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transit options.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on finding a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six overlapping zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between the zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. I choose to stroll short distances rather than utilize buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card alternatives have rendered commuting to university 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 fluctuate depending on distance and the specific fare structure of each train operator. The city’s central attractions contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, allowing us to share a room, which considerably lowered rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and ages, a blend that is more challenging to find in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, providing a vibrant mosaic of diverse areas. Many international students in London yearn for a connection to their home cultures. Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural activities. These represent just a selection of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When searching for new accommodation in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.