Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Even though it may seem brief, I’ve gathered some valuable observations. London is a bustling metropolis, known not just for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students benefit from an abundance of choices. Both student residences and private flats present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future living spaces online, complete with details on amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centralized. London boasts an outstanding transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can incur daily charges of up to £5.25. I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to notable attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was able to attend university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to meet peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that is more challenging to discover in private accommodations.
Being near supermarkets was of utmost importance to me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, creating a rich mosaic of diverse areas. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity reminiscent of their home country in London. Southall, situated in West London, has a significant South Asian presence with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London will depend on your personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new place to call home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing alternatives, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.