Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago marked my nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may not seem extensive, I have gained considerable insights during this timeframe. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its communities. Students find an abundance of options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private lodgings provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, review the facilities, and locate the nearest public transport links.
While I was on the hunt for a place to live, I was keen on renting a room in Central London to stay near major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an impressive transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London houses major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, considerably cutting down on rent. I favored living in intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is harder to find in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more economical options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s ethnic communities form an integral part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for the comfort of their home country’s atmosphere. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community with Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London rely on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.