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 may seem brief, I’ve absorbed a wealth of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, notable not just for its varied housing choices but also its lively communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer possibilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, verify amenities, and evaluate the closeness to public transportation.
During my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to find a room in Central London to be nearby prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made travelling to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each railway company. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodation, considerably reducing rental expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is more difficult to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, showcasing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home cultures while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery markets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to live in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.