Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it may not appear lengthy, I’ve absorbed a considerable amount during this period. London is an energetic city, not solely because of its range of housing options but also due to its multicultural communities. Students are presented with numerous alternatives. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine possible accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my hunt for a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation across the city and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal transit can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Often, I opted to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card choices have reduced commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that’s tougher to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek comfort with their home country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is an energetic hub filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural gatherings. These represent just a few instances of communal areas.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation possibilities, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.