Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve gained several insights. London is an energetic city, characterized not just by its diverse living arrangements but also by its communities. Students find a plethora of options right at hand. Whether through student accommodation or private housing, choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment showings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in viewing future homes online, complete with details on amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I targeted a room in Central London to stay close to key sights, vibrant social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the core. London boasts a robust transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys could reach up to £5.25 per day. Thus, I preferred walking over taking a bus or tube for short trips. Nonetheless, oyster card options have lowered commuting costs for university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these inter-zone services vary based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London houses major attractions, which contributes to high living costs. Thankfully, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly cutting down on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, which is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exams.
Selecting a neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the West End of London, boasts an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new abode in this metropolis, embrace its accommodation diversity and richness, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city offers.