Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Though it’s a brief period, I have gained extensive knowledge. London thrives as a vibrant metropolis, not merely due to its extensive accommodation choices but also because of its varied communities. Students are presented with numerous options right at their fingertips. Both student dwellings and private residences feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, review facilities, and discover public transport connections.
While searching for my living space, I was determined to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is sectioned into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and movement between zones. I aspired to minimize travel expenses since interchange travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services encompass regions beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ depending on distance and the fare system of each railway company. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a companion, and we chose to share a room, significantly reducing our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private accommodations.
Being situated near grocery outlets was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on chores, especially during exams.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a connection to their homeland within London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few representations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for residing in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. To locate a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural districts, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.