Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though it isn’t an extensive duration, I have picked up a few insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized by its varied housing options and its multitude of communities. Students are offered numerous choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, assess amenities, and discover links to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my preference was a room located in Central London to remain close to significant sights, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal transit can reach up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground system, reaching zones outside the central hub. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London presents major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, enabling us to share a room and significantly cut down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more difficult in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was imperative for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, presenting diverse locales. Numerous international students search for familiarity from their home countries within London. Southall, situated in West London, hosts a large South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean presence and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, at the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These highlight just a few examples of community-based neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place to call home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.