Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Though this duration isn’t extensive, I’ve gained a considerable amount of experience. London is a bustling metropolis, not solely due to its varied living arrangements but also because of its lively communities. Students can select from numerous options. Both student residences and independent housing present a wide array of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Home students have the convenience of easily arranging apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom support international students in viewing potential homes online, exploring amenities, and evaluating proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enabling effortless navigation and travel between zones. I sought to minimize my travel costs since inter-zonal commuting can incur fees as high as £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare policies of each rail company. Central London’s prime attractions drive up living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I had a preference for intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and comparable ages, a blend often harder to discover in private properties.
Residing close to grocery stores was vital for me. Mainstream supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. The ethnic communities in London are central to its cultural essence, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of familiarity from their home nations. Southall in West London has a sizable South Asian populace with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and shops for traditional attire. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London largely depend on individual preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundant accommodation choices, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.