Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though it isn’t much time, I have gained some insights. London is an exhilarating city, celebrated not just for its varied housing options but also for its diverse communities. Students find themselves with numerous choices at their fingertips. Both university residences and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring their prospective homes online, alongside available amenities and transportation links.
While I was looking for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize transportation expenses since traveling across zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I decided to walk shorter distances rather than use the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground system, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services depend on the distance and pricing structure of each train operator. Central London boasts numerous attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we shared an apartment, allowing us to save significantly on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was vital for me. Well-known supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more budget-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are essential to its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students desire a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall in West London features a considerable South Asian community, offering Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, presents a plethora of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London rely on your personal interests and requirements. To find a new place in London, take advantage of its varied housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.