Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it’s not a lengthy period, I’ve gathered a considerable amount of knowledge. London is an energetic city, known not only for its vast array of living options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have numerous choices readily accessible. Both student residences and private housing provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can swiftly arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, assess the amenities, and check their closeness to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensures ease of movement and travel across zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal commutes can reach £5.25 daily, I opted to walk for shorter distances rather than take buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have helped lower the cost of commuting to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, connecting to zones outside of central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The living costs in Central London are elevated due to its notable attractions. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university resulted in considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging in private housing.
It was essential for me to reside near grocery stores. Main supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to fundamental stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are integral to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mix of varied neighborhoods. A significant number of international students in London seek a semblance of their home culture. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to live in London rely on your preferences and requirements. When you look for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.