Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this timeframe may not be extensive, I’ve gleaned some valuable insights. London is a vibrant city, not only for its wide range of living options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices readily available. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential homes online, evaluate facilities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
During my accommodation hunt, I sought to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is divided into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London has an outstanding transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traveling between zones straightforward. I intended to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 a day. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each rail operator. The high cost of living in Central London is influenced by its major attractions. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, thereby significantly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and a similar age range, a mix that is more challenging to find in private housing.
Living close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighbourhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.