Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months might not appear lengthy, I’ve acquired several perspectives throughout this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, characterized not only by its varied living arrangements but also by its lively communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student residences and private lodgings present an array of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently plan apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, showcasing the amenities and proximity to public transit.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to occupy a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an exceptional transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel across zones straightforward. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal commutes can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which greatly decreased our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varying backgrounds and the same age group, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood poses its own set of challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural mosaic, presenting a rich diversity of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a connection to their homeland. Southall, in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area replete with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighbourhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, relish the diversity and richness of its living arrangements, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.