Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear lengthy, I have acquired several perspectives during this period. London is a bustling city, not only due to its extensive accommodation options but also because of its dynamic 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. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential homes online, including the facilities and proximity to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, I aimed to find a room in Central London to be near key sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London has an impressive public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and journey between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel costs, as inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and the fare structure of each train provider. Central London hosts major sights, leading to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, resulting in considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and the same age, a blend harder to encounter in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Most international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home country in this city. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centered neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new home, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.