Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this might not seem like an extensive duration, I have acquired various insights throughout this time. London is a bustling metropolis, distinguished not only by its varied living arrangements but also by its lively communities. Students have an abundance of options readily accessible. Both student residences and private rentals provide a range of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, along with the amenities available and their distance from public transport.
During my hunt for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an exceptional public transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and movement across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since journeys between zones can reach up to £5.25 per day. I decided to walk shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, connecting to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. Major attractions in central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery outlets was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse communities are vital to its cultural identity, creating a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of familiarity from their home nations. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is noted for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music environment. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.