Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days back, I reached the milestone of nine months residing in London. Although nine months isn’t an extensive period, I’ve acquired a significant amount of knowledge during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just due to its varied housing choices but also for its communities. Students find an abundance of options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private living spaces provide a range of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio units, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, review facilities, and assess their accessibility to public transport.
In my hunt for a place to stay, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near major attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six overlapping zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since transferring between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university considerably more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach regions beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London presents major attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds and a similar age group, a blend that is harder to find in private residences.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more economical options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Most international students in London seek the comfort of their homeland. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Right in the core of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of neighborhood communities.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation alternatives, explore the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.