Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I’ve gained a wealth of experience. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not only for its variety of living arrangements but also for its multicultural communities. Students have numerous choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine potential lodgings online, including facilities and accessibility to public transport.
During my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six overlapping zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation framework, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel throughout the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can set one back as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare structure of each train service. Central London features significant attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Fortunately, my friend and I attended university together, and we chose to share a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I favored residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being in proximity to grocery stores was important to me. Common retailers include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a prominent South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, retail stores, and cultural events. These are just a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodations in London, embrace the variety and richness of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.