Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired several insights throughout this time. London is a dynamic metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing choices but also for its vibrant communities. Students have numerous options available right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse their prospective homes online, review amenities, and locate the nearest public transit access.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy movement and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as cross-zone journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services encompass regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for cross-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the specific fare layout of each train company. Central London has prominent attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was able to attend university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I favored residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds within the same age range, a combination that is more challenging to encounter in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was crucial for my convenience. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a tough choice. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a connection to their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London rely on your preferences and requirements. In your search for a new residence in London, celebrate the diversity and wealth of its accommodation possibilities, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.