Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone in London. Although it might appear brief, I’ve gathered valuable perspectives during this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, celebrated not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its lively communities. Students are presented with a multitude of options right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature diverse offerings such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students have the ease of scheduling apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential residences online, investigate amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near primary attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I was inclined to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys could reach £5.25 daily. I opted for short walks over taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services cater to areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside the heart of London. Costs for inter-zone journeys on these services vary depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a companion, and we decided to share a room, resulting in considerable rent savings. I favored residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that can be more challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time when managing errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural makeup, creating a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their native culture within this city. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Chinatown, at the heart of London’s West End, hosts a bustling enclave with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as just a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for new accommodations in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.