Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. Although it may seem brief, I’ve gained a considerable amount of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, notable not only for its wide range of living arrangements but also for its multicultural societies. Students have numerous options right at their front door. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective lodgings online, complete with details on amenities and closeness to public transport.
During my quest for a living space, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone journeys could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, options with an oyster card have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside of the Underground network, reaching zones beyond Central London. Fees for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The costs of living near Central London’s top attractions can be steep. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Living close to grocery outlets was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities form an integral part of its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their home country within London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton, positioned in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London are determined by your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, celebrate the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.