Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may not seem extensive, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, celebrated not just for its varied accommodation possibilities but also for its vibrant communities. Students are presented with numerous options. Both student housing and private rentals include features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse available places online, highlighting amenities and accessibility to public transport.
During my quest for a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys could cost as much as £5.25 each day. I preferred walking short distances over taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground system, covering areas beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travels on these services differ according to distance and the fare structures of individual train companies. Central London presents numerous prominent attractions, leading to higher living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and the same age range, a mix that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, creating a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is noted for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a dynamic area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are influenced by your personal interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.