Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge. London is an energetic city, notable not only for its varied living options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an array of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings present various alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in examining potential lodgings online, evaluating amenities, and considering access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is partitioned into six zones, with the prime areas being zones one and two. London’s superb transportation network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation among zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fare can reach up to £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. Nonetheless, 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 differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London’s key attractions contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I went to university with a friend, and we shared a room, allowing us to reduce our rent significantly. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on tasks, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighbourhood in London can be difficult. The city’s ethnic communities are an integral aspect of its cultural mosaic, providing a diverse range of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community boasting Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-oriented neighbourhoods.
The ideal locations for living in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.