Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration may not be significant, I have gathered some valuable experiences along the way. London is an energetic metropolis, defined not only by its varied living arrangements but also by its dynamic communities. Students are presented with an array of options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings feature a multitude of selections including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to survey their forthcoming lodgings online, complete with information about available amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to secure a room in Central London, ensuring I remained close to key tourist spots, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is segmented into six concentric districts, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it simple to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of opting for a bus or tube ride. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travels more budget-friendly. Moreover, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the heart of London. Travel fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London hosts leading attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to co-rent a room, leading to considerable rent savings. I gravitated towards intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from varied backgrounds and of similar age, a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery shops was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies close by conserves time on tasks, especially during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood in London is not straightforward. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothes stores. In South London, Brixton is noted for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and depth of its accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural communities, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.