Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone living in London. Even though this isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve gained several insights. London pulsates with life, catering not only with its varied housing choices but also through its dynamic communities. Students are presented with myriad options. Both university accommodations and private rentals feature a range of selections like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and locate the closest public transport connections.
During my search for a residence, I focused on securing a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the heart of the action. London boasts an impressive transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies mobility across different zones. Personally, I aimed to lower my commuting expenses as inter-zonal travel can be as much as £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services encompass areas that extend beyond the Underground network, reaching into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operating company’s fare framework. Central London is home to significant attractions, which consequently inflates living expenses. Fortunately, I paired up with a friend at university, and we resolved to share a room, resulting in substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand running, especially during the exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London pursue a sense of familiarity reminiscent of their home countries. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge upon your personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of its accommodation possibilities, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.