Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though this may seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its varied lodging options but also for its communities. Students have an array of selections available at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule viewings for apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, including facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed for a room within Central London to ensure proximity to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a robust transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zone travel. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since traversing zones can lead to daily costs as high as £5.25. Instead of opting for a bus or tube, I decided to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground system, reaching zones outside the central area. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to major attractions, contributing to higher living costs. Thankfully, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination that is more difficult to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural identity, providing a range of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of familiar surroundings from their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a sizable South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural gatherings. These are merely illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. When pursuing a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.