Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked the milestone of nine months residing in London. Although it’s a brief period, I’ve picked up a few insights. London is a lively metropolis offering a variety of living arrangements and communities. Students have an array of options available right at their fingertips, including student residences and private housing with choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, assess amenities, and find connections to public transit.
In my pursuit of a place to stay, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six circumferential zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a fantastic transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can set you back as much as £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending into zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on the distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London features major attractions, leading to high living costs. Luckily, I was able to attend university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age range, a mix that is harder to come by in private homes.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, presenting a spectrum of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home culture in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton in South London is notable for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music environment. Chinatown in the core of London’s West End presents Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural events. These represent just a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.