Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone in London. Although it hasn’t been a lengthy stay, I have gained considerable knowledge. The city is dynamic, showcasing not only diverse living arrangements but also vibrant communities. Students find ample options right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private lodgings provide various alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential residences online, assess amenities, and access public transport links.
In my quest for a home, I desired a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with zones one and two being the core areas. London boasts an excellent transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zone travel. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 per day. Thus, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have lowered university commuting expenses. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the central region. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of individual train companies. Central London features major attractions, contributing to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varying backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s not easily found in private residences.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common retailers include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more economical options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near fundamental establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during the examination period.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural essence, resulting in varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections resembling their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, presents Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.