Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained a considerable amount of knowledge during this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only for its varied living arrangements but also due to its lively communities. Students have numerous choices readily available. Both student residences and private housing provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential housing options online, complete with details on amenities and transport links.
In my quest for accommodation, I desired a room in Central London to remain in proximity to major sights, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a robust transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it user-friendly to traverse and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as cross-zone trips can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card choices have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services vary depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London presents major attractions that raise living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural mosaic, providing a colorful array of neighborhoods. Many international students search for the comfort of their home country within this metropolis. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean demographics and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant neighborhood filled with Chinese restaurants, markets, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few representations of community areas.
The optimal locations to reside in London are influenced by your personal interests and requirements. During your search for a residence in London, relish the diversity and vitality of its accommodation offerings, discover cultural hubs, and immerse yourself in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.