Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone in London. Although it might appear brief, I’ve gleaned various insights throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its diverse lodging choices but also its rich tapestry of communities. Students have abundant options available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange property viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective housing online, including facilities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I wished to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys could amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a feat that would have been more challenging in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a demanding choice. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse enclaves. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of their home cultures. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave home to numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The best locations to reside in London rely on personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this outstanding city.