Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it might appear brief, I have absorbed a considerable amount during this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, providing a plethora of living arrangements and lively neighborhoods. Students can select from an array of options, including student residences and private lodgings featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, both shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and gauge the distance to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport infrastructure, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation and movement between zones. I aimed to curb travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, options for oyster cards have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond the central area, with fare differences depending on the distance traveled and the operating company’s pricing structure. The living costs in Central London’s prime attractions are elevated. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share accommodation, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a task that would have been more difficult with private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time for errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home cultures in London. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on individual preferences and requirements. When seeking a new dwelling in London, appreciate the variety and richness of accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.