Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained a considerable amount of insight. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by its vibrant communities. Students have a multitude of choices readily available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings provide configurations such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared lounges and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore their potential homes online, assess the facilities, and locate the nearest public transport links.
In my quest for a place to reside, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since trans-zonal travel could amount to over £5.25 daily. Thus, I opted to walk the shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commuting more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the central parts of London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London boasts significant attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I was enrolled with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rental expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and of similar ages, a combination that is tougher to find in private rentals.
It was crucial for me to be near grocery stores. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines running errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s diverse ethnic communities are deeply embedded in its cultural identity, presenting a range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a taste of home within the city. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian populace, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and shops selling traditional attire. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, presents a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a handful of examples of distinct community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to stay in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. In your search for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this exceptional city.