Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, the knowledge I’ve gained is substantial. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its diverse lodging alternatives but also for its multitude of communities. Students have an abundance of choices available right at their doorstep. Both student housing and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview their future homes online, including available amenities and distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain close to popular landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card solutions have made traveling to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London features prominent attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often scarce in private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with economical alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a significant role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of connection to their homeland. Southall, located in West London, has a large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the centre of London’s West End, contains countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London vary according to individual interests and requirements. To secure a new home in London, embrace the array and richness of its accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.