Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it may not seem like a significant duration, I have gained various insights during this time. London is a dynamic city, showcasing not only a variety of housing options but also its rich communities. Students find themselves with countless choices available. Both student accommodations and private lodgings feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and personal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring their prospective homes online, including details on amenities and transport links.
In my quest for a place to live, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation around the city and movement between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can incur costs up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of Central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the fare system of each train company. Central London, with its prominent attractions, leads to higher living expenses. Thankfully, sharing a room with my friend while attending university provided us substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets feature Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are fundamental to its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. A majority of international students in London yearn for a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively area abundant with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on individual interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and vibrancy of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.