Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it may not appear lengthy, I’ve acquired various insights during this duration. London is an energetic metropolis that provides a multitude of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students can explore a wide range of options, including student residences and private lodgings with features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective accommodations online, assess amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for suitable lodgings, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London showcases an outstanding transportation framework, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigating and traveling between zones convenient. Personally, I was keen on minimizing travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 a day. I chose to cover shorter distances by walking rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, options for oyster cards have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Major attractions in Central London add to the elevated living costs. Luckily, I had a university mate, and we opted to share a room, significantly lowering our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is often harder to locate in private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. A location near crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on shopping tasks, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural identity, showcasing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a touch of familiarity with their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to stay in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodations in London, embrace the diversity and richness of available options, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the conveniences and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.