Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it’s not an extended period, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, known not only for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, check facilities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I targeted a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city consists of six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing for effortless navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operating company. The major attractions in central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix often more elusive in private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; less expensive options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in presents challenges. London’s ethnic groups are central to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of familiarity from their home countries. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These represent only a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to stay in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.