Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I’ve completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained valuable insights during this period. London is an energetic city, not only for its wide range of housing alternatives but also for its communities. Students have an abundance of options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private accommodations provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, assess amenities, and discover links to public transport.
While searching for a living space, I was keen on finding a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more affordable. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare system of each train operator. Central London features significant attractions, contributing to high living costs. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, resulting in considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds of similar ages, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exams.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural identity, offering a variety of neighbourhoods. Many international students look for familiarity reminiscent of their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Nestled in the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling locale with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community-based neighbourhoods.
The optimal areas to stay in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. To locate a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.