Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While it might not appear extensive, I’ve acquired several perspectives throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its broad range of lodging options but also its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have a wealth of alternatives available. Both student residences and private rentals provide differentiated choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment tours, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective lodgings online, review facilities, and gauge their distance from public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, 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 commendable transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation around the city and between zones. Personally, I aspired to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys could cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to stroll short distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have significantly reduced commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly alleviated our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that might have been harder to find in private housing.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets in the area include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities comprise a crucial element of its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich variety of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of their native country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, centrally located in London’s West End, is a bustling area packed with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on individual preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of the city’s accommodation selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.