Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated the nine-month mark of my residence in London. While this duration might not seem lengthy, I have acquired several observations throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its wide-ranging accommodation choices but also for its varied communities. Students have a plethora of options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private living arrangements offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local students have the advantage of easily scheduling apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective accommodations online, along with details about amenities and their vicinity to public transport.
In my quest for a place to reside, I sought to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have considerably lowered my travel costs for university commutes. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. The pricing for these services fluctuates based on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The high living costs in central London stem from its numerous major attractions. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in significant savings on rent. I favored cross-institutional student accommodations to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for a sense of familiarity from their home country. Southall in West London features a sizeable South Asian community, showcasing Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of vibrant community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent on individual interests and necessities. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of accommodation possibilities, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.