Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of living in London. Although this period may not be long, I’ve gathered some perspectives along the way. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options to choose from. Both student residences and private lodgings offer a range of alternatives like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to check out potential housing online, complete with details about amenities and transport links.
While searching for accommodation, my goal was to lease a room in Central London to be near key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensuring easy movement and travel among the zones. Personally, I aimed to reduce travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground, connecting to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on the distance and the fare structure established by each train operator. Central London houses numerous major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly alleviated our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to encounter students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is harder to discover in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam weeks.
Picking a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections with their home cultures. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new living space in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrance of this extraordinary city.