Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of my stay in London. While it may not be an extensive period, it has been quite educational. London is energetic, recognized not solely for its varied housing possibilities but also for its diverse communities. Students have ample options right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private housing provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, verify amenities, and locate the closest public transport connections.
In my search for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near essential attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is partitioned into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since commuting between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commuting more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary with distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London presents significant attractions, leading to higher living costs. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which considerably cut down on our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, something that would have been trickier through private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Choosing a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a critical role in its cultural landscape, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a taste of familiarity with their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian dining spots, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music environment. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a sampling of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. While scouting for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of lodging options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.