Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, I have gained significant insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its extensive accommodation choices but also for its multicultural communities. Students enjoy a myriad of options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals present various selections, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can efficiently arrange apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, featuring the amenities available and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London boasts an outstanding transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I sought to minimize my travel expenses since moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. Therefore, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have made commuting to the university significantly more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground system, servicing regions outside of Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare policy. The high living expenses in Central London arise from its prominent attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly alleviated our rent burden. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, looking forward to mingling with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential vendors such as grocery stores and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during busy exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community that features Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese eateries, retail shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of communal neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on individual interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.