Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days back marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have gleaned numerous insights during this period. London is a lively metropolis, not just for its wide range of housing options but also for its vibrant communities. Students find an abundance of choices readily available. Both student housing and private residences provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore upcoming accommodations online, review the amenities available, and check how close they are to public transport.
While I was looking for a place to stay, I sought a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize transport costs since traveling across zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London features major attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a mix harder to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in is not straightforward. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Most international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home country. Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a lively area with countless Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few representations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on individual interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and vibrancy of its accommodation options, investigate the cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.