Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While not an extensive timeframe, I have acquired some insights. London is a lively metropolis, not just for its varied housing choices but also for its communities. Students are presented with ample options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide possibilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective accommodations online, showcasing amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my hunt for a residence, I looked for a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal transit can cost as much as £5.25 a day. I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network into regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to significant attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly cutting down on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students of various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s harder to find in private residences.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for 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 during errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity from their home countries. Southall, in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring 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 enclave with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to stay in London hinge on your interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.