Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this may not seem prolonged, I have gained a wealth of knowledge. London is a dynamic city, not only because of its varied living arrangements but also due to its lively communities. Students have ample options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing provide different selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore their future living spaces online, complete with details about amenities and access to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across zones. Personally, I intended to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, allowing us to save significantly on rent. I favored residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to interact with students from various backgrounds and the same age bracket, a combination that is harder to come by in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Proximity to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during examination periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood is a challenging task. The ethnic communities of London are key to its cultural essence, providing a rich mosaic of diverse areas. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country within this city. Southall, in West London, houses a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and bustling music scene. Situated in the center of London’s West End, Chinatown is an energetic enclave filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The best locations to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. While hunting for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and depth of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.