Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not an extended period, I have gained some insights. London is lively, not only in its varied accommodation choices but also in its communities. Students can find numerous options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house sharers. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective living spaces online, along with amenities and public transport connections.
During my quest for a place to live, I aspired to secure a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric circles, with zones one and two being the most central. London possesses a fantastic transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses as journeys between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside Central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on the distance traveled and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London boasts prominent attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and of similar age, something that is more challenging to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was a priority for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is time-saving for errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood is a daunting task. London’s various ethnic communities are central to its cultural essence, presenting an array of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for a semblance of their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new dwelling in London, embrace the variety and depth of its accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.