Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I have absorbed a considerable amount of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, not only due to its variety of living arrangements but also for its vibrant communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing present a range of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can swiftly arrange apartment viewings, while online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview their future homes, examine facilities, and discover accessible public transport links.
In my quest for a place to stay, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between 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 utilize a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach regions outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London hosts numerous major attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, significantly cutting down our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more difficult with private housing.
Proximity to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural landscape, offering an array of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighbourhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing offerings, immerse yourself in cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this exceptional city.