Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve reached the milestone of nine months living in London. Although nine months might not appear to be a long duration, I’ve gathered several insights throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, brimming not only with varied accommodation types but also thriving communities. Students have a multitude of choices available. Both university housing and private rentals provide various alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential residences online, verify amenities available, and evaluate their distance from public transportation.
In my quest for a place to live, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is divided into six concentric rings, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to limit travel expenses since inter-zonal transit can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university travels more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train operator’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, significantly cutting down on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home country within London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a sizable South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to settle in London rely on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.