Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though it might not appear to be a considerable duration, I’ve accumulated a few observations during this time. London pulses with life, presenting a diverse range of housing alternatives and dynamic communities. Students enjoy a spectrum of options, encompassing student residences and private lodgings featuring amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently coordinate apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective homes online, along with their facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain in proximity to major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an efficient transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, I opted to walk short distances rather than rely on public transport. Nonetheless, oyster card choices have made commutes to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, covering regions outside central London. Fare structures for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of each train operator. The major attractions of Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix less commonly found in private properties.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is quite demanding. The ethnic communities of the city play a crucial role in its cultural essence, showcasing a vibrant mosaic of different neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity in London that reflects their home country. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for accommodation in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.