Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it might seem brief, I’ve accumulated some experiences during this period. London is an active city, notable not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a wide array of options available to them. Both university housing and private rentals come with diverse choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can swiftly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore possible homes online, along with details about the amenities and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an excellent public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling among different zones uncomplicated. I aimed to lower travel expenses since moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Therefore, I chose to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university journeys more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside of central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the fare structure of the respective train operating company. Central London features key attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery outlets was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the vibrant West End of London, is an animated area with abundant Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to stay in London rely on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its living arrangements, investigate the cultural stereotypes, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.