Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. While this may seem brief, I have gained considerable knowledge. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its varied housing alternatives but also for its lively communities. Students have an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private residences provide an array of selections, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible accommodations online, assess amenities, and locate the nearest public transport links.
During my hunt for a residence, I aimed for a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can be as much as £5.25 per day. Consequently, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend into regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The costs of living in Central London are elevated due to its major attractions. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, significantly cutting down on rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is often harder to find in private properties.
It was essential for me to live near grocery stores. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood proves to be a challenge. London’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.