Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained a significant amount of insight. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its vibrant communities. Students have a plethora of alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective lodgings online, examine amenities, and find links to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s stellar transport infrastructure, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for seamless navigation and travel across zones. To manage travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances. Oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Rates for inter-zone travel fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of individual train companies. Central London hosts major attractions, driving up living expenses. Fortunately, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, something harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s diverse ethnic communities form a key part of its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students search for a sense of familiarity that reflects their home countries. Southall, located in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling locale filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London largely hinge on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.