Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve completed nine months of residing in London. Although this time frame isn’t extensive, it has provided me with valuable experiences. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a broad spectrum of living arrangements and lively neighborhoods. Students enjoy a plethora of options available to them, ranging from student residences to private accommodations, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while international students can utilize resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential housing online, review available amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London for proximity to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London possesses an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enabling easy movement and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to lower travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of individual train operators. The prominent tourist attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from different backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s vibrant ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural tapestry, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiar surroundings representing their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community filled with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in London’s West End is a bustling zone with many Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of communal neighborhoods.
The most suitable locations to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When embarking on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its living options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.