Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of my stay in London. Though it may not seem extensive, my experiences have been significant. London is an energetic city, characterized not just by its variety of housing choices but also its vibrant communities. Students are presented with a plethora of options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private accommodations feature arrangements such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom provide international students with the chance to explore their prospective accommodations online, complete with details on amenities and access to public transit.
In my search for accommodation, I was keen on securing a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is compartmentalized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most centralized. London boasts an outstanding public transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating smooth transit between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing between zones can accumulate costs up to £5.25 each day. Instead of utilizing a bus or tube, I opted to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made my university journeys more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones that are outside central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London is replete with major attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver for errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, creating a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek to find elements of their homeland within London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively enclave boasting Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centered neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. As you embark on the journey of finding a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vigor of this extraordinary city.