Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration might appear brief, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge in that period. London is a bustling metropolis, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its dynamic communities. Students are presented with countless possibilities. Both student housing and private rentals provide various selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, examine offered amenities, and assess their distance from public transport.
In my search for living arrangements, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay near significant sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superb transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between various zones. Personally, I intended to lower my travel expenses since inter-zone journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. Central London hosts significant attractions, but living expenses are exceedingly high. Thankfully, I was starting university with a friend, and we decided to share accommodation, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I favored residing in intercollegiate student housing, thinking it would allow me to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that would have been tougher to find through private housing.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time when handling errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to call home is a significant decision. London’s diverse communities are a vital aspect of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students arriving in London seek to find comfort in familiar vibes from their home countries within this city. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a large South Asian populace and features Indian dining spots, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located at the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with an abundance of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as just a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for accommodation in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace its amazing diversity and rich housing options, explore its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.