Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While nine months may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained several insights during this period. London is an energetic city, showcasing not only diverse living arrangements but also vibrant communities. Students find numerous options readily available. Both student residences and private lodgings present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single 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 potential living arrangements online, including the facilities they provide and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room to rent in Central London to remain near prominent landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I preferred to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare structure of each train company. Central London houses major attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university with a friend, so we opted to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is trickier to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near basic stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time when handling errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood to reside in presents a challenge. London’s ethnic communities constitute a significant part of its cultural landscape, offering a diverse array of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of their home country in this metropolitan area. Southall, located in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian population and features Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Nestled in the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown is a lively hub offering abundant Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural activities. These serve as just a few illustrations of community-oriented neighbourhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are determined by your preferences and requirements. To secure your new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.