Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve gained a fair bit of insight. London is a vibrant metropolis, noted not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their doorstep. Both student lodgings and private rentals offer facilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential homes online, review amenities, and locate public transport links.
During my quest for accommodation, I desired a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as moving between zones can incur costs up to £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground’s range, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these routes fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of different train operators. Central London offers significant attractions, leading to higher living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial amenities such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time when handling errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a challenging choice. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, providing varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for a connection to their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is renowned 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 Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When searching for new accommodation in London, take advantage of the diversity and wealth of available options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.