Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching the nine-month mark of residing in London. Though it may seem brief, I’ve gained some valuable understandings. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its diverse housing alternatives but also for its rich tapestry of communities. Students have a wide array of options available. Both student accommodations and private living spaces offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house sharings. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, evaluate available amenities, and gauge accessibility to public transportation.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is stratified into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows seamless movement and cross-zone travel. I sought to keep travel costs low, as inter-zone travel may amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have improved the affordability of commuting to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for these services vary depending on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. The numerous attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to split the cost of a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam sessions.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant array of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connection to their home cultures while in London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and its lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling hub with countless Chinese dining establishments, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London greatly depend on personal preferences and needs. When looking for a new place to call home in London, embrace the city’s varied accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.