Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this isn’t an extensive period, I’ve acquired some valuable perceptions. London is a vibrant metropolis, not solely due to its varied accommodation choices but also because of its dynamic communities. Students have numerous options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing provide a range of 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 allow international students to explore possible accommodations online, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my search for living arrangements, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to major 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 features an exceptional transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation throughout the city and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commutes to the university more budget-friendly. Besides, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The central attractions in London lead to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that can be more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, features a prominent South Asian community with Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and flourishing music culture. In the core of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London rely on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, relish the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and partake in the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.