Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months might not seem like a long duration, I’ve gathered some experiences during this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only due to its wide range of housing opportunities but also because of its multicultural population. Students are presented with a plethora of options. Both student accommodations and private housing provide offerings like ensuite and suite baths, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to explore potential housing online, inspect available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transit.
In my quest for a living space, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensures easy commuting and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Costs for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to increased living expenses. Fortunately, going to university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, significantly lowering our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a demographic that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. The ethnic communities of London are vital to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students in the city look for connections to their homelands. Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the core of London’s West End is filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s varied accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city has to offer.