Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching the nine-month mark of residing in London. Although this time frame isn’t extensive, I have gained a wealth of insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, distinguished by its varied housing choices and its rich communities. Students have numerous options right outside their doors. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide alternatives, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house sharing arrangements. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living quarters online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for accommodations, I sought a room in Central London to remain in proximity to prominent sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most centralized. London boasts an excellent transit system comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. I was keen on minimizing travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can reach up to £5.25 a day. Hence, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground, reaching zones further from the center. Fares for traveling between zones on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to key attractions, contributing to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I was enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly cutting down on rent. I favored intercollegiate accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, with more economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic enclaves are integral to its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for the comforts of their homeland. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional garment stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music environment. Chinatown at the heart of London’s West End is a bustling locale filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These serve as just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal regions to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When hunting for new accommodations in London, relish the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.