Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While that might appear brief, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its enthusiastic communities. Students find themselves with countless choices available. Both student residences and private lodgings provide an array of selections, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, verify amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a top-notch transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse and travel among zones. I wished to keep travel expenses low since inter-zonal commutes might cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to the university much more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground framework, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly lessening our rental burdens. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a feat that would be harder in private dwellings.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are common, along with more affordable choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, conserves time on chores, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for connections to their homelands. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community equipped with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, thrives as a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as only a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. While hunting for a new residence in London, appreciate the variety and richness of its living alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.