Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching the nine-month mark of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gathered several insights. London is an energetic metropolis, not only due to its varied housing choices but also thanks to its vibrant communities. Students have an abundance of options available right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings include amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange for apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective accommodations online, featuring amenities and transport links.
In my quest for a residence, I preferred a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation and travel among the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone fares can reach up to £5.25 per day. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made traversing to the university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend their reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas that lie outside the central zones. The fares for inter-zone transit differ according to distance and the pricing structure of each rail operator. Central London features prominent attractions that contribute to higher living expenses. Luckily, I went to university alongside a friend, and we split a room, which resulted in significant rent savings. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and of similar age, a combination that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. The prevalent supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during examination periods.
Picking a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are essential to its cultural mosaic, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Most international students look for familiarity reminiscent of their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery establishments, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, at the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London hinge on your personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new abode in London, embrace the array and depth of its housing selections, delve into cultural pockets, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.