Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month mark living in London. Although this period may seem brief, I’ve accumulated some valuable perspectives. London buzzes with life, not just for its wide range of lodging choices but also for its vibrant communities. Students enjoy numerous options right at their doorstep. Both student housing and private rentals provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, showcasing facilities and ease of access to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I targeted a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitate easy commuting across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London stem from its many major attractions. Thankfully, I attended the university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly cut down our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and the same demographic, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities form an integral aspect of its cultural identity, offering a wide array of neighborhoods. A number of international students desire to find a connection with their home country in London. Southall, in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian populace, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing boutiques. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, showcases numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are dictated by your interests and requirements. As you look for a new home in London, embrace the variety of accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.