Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this is not an extensive duration, I have gathered some experiences during this period. London is an energetic city, not only in terms of its diverse accommodation choices but also because of the various communities that reside here. Students are presented with a multitude of options. Student housing and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, along with the amenities available and distance to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London features an outstanding transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I sought to reduce travel expenses since inter-zonal travel could amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, substantially lowering rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students of varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural fabric, providing a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music vibe. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation alternatives, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.