Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though it may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its variety of living arrangements but also for its communities. Students have a multitude of options in the vicinity. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective lodgings online, highlighting facilities and accessibility to public transport.
During my search for a residence, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London features significant attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, allowing us to save considerably on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been challenging in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Alignment with essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are an integral aspect of its cultural landscape, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a prominent South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a colorful enclave filled with Chinese restaurants, boutiques, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the wealth of accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.