Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I have acquired several insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, recognized not only for its varied housing options but also for its diverse communities. Students are presented with a multitude of choices right at their fingertips. Both student housing and private rentals provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to preview their prospective homes online, featuring amenities and accessibility to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation across different zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since commuting between zones can run up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services expand past the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare scheme. The living costs in Central London are elevated due to the numerous major attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and around the same age, a combination harder to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing close to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood proves to be a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, presenting a variety of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home culture in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, found in the West End of London, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighbourhoods.
The optimal areas for residing in London are contingent upon your preferences and requirements. While hunting for new accommodation in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary metropolis.