Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my ninth month residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge throughout this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, characterized not only by its wide-ranging accommodation alternatives but also by its vibrant communities. Students have a myriad of options right at their fingertips. Both student housing and private lodgings provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine potential housing online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transit links.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and inter-zonal travel. I sought to minimize travel expenses since commuting between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system into areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s pricing scheme. The living costs around Central London’s main attractions are elevated. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, leading to significant rent reductions. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varying backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination often difficult to find within private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on daily errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting diverse neighbourhoods. Most international students seek the comfort of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave with Chinese restaurants, boutiques, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your individual interests and requirements. When hunting for a new place in London, take in the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.