Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it may not be a lengthy duration, I have garnered several insights. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting an array of living arrangements and dynamic communities. Students have a multitude of options available, such as student residences and private lodgings featuring amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can seamlessly organize apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring potential homes online, evaluating facilities, and determining closeness to public transit.
During my accommodation hunt, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, entertainment venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centralized. London possesses an outstanding transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and commute between zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can hit £5.25 per day for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk short distances instead of using buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for these services depend on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London hosts significant landmarks, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, by sharing a room with a fellow university student, we significantly lowered our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less common in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students search for a sense of familiarity from their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant locale filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for residing in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, delve into its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.