Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I have recently reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this isn’t an extended duration, I’ve gained some perspectives throughout this time. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its variety of living arrangements but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have a wide array of options available. Both student residences and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite or suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, check for amenities, and evaluate the proximity to public transport.
In my accommodation hunt, I focused on renting a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, where zones one and two represent the most central areas. London’s superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, since inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 per day, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Options with an Oyster card have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, accessing areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services vary depending on distance and the fare structure of each rail company. Major attractions in Central London elevate living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodations, thereby substantially lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate living arrangements to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which is typically more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines daily tasks, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries within London. Southall in West London is notable for its extensive South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place in London, take in the diversity and richness of its living options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.