Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it’s a brief period, I’ve acquired a substantial amount of knowledge. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only due to its varied housing options but also its spirited communities. Students have a wealth of choices available. Both student residences and private living arrangements provide a range of selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective lodgings online, inspect amenities, and locate the closest public transport routes.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London features an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel and navigation between zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to stroll short distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university trips more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Charges for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure set by each train company. Central London’s key attractions contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, having a friend in university allowed us to share a room, significantly reducing rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination less common in private rentals.
It was essential for me to live close to supermarkets. Major grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time during errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their homeland while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a handful of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London are determined by your preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of accommodation possibilities, discover cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.