Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is a dynamic city, characterized not only by its extensive accommodation options but also by its rich diversity in communities. Students have an abundance of choices readily available to them. Both student housing and private accommodations provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, examine amenities, and discover nearby public transport links.
During my quest for a residence, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two serving as the most central. London’s superior transportation network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel between zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the underground network, reaching zones that lie beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high costs of living in Central London are attributed to its numerous major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, resulting in significant savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix less common in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are essential to its vibrant cultural identity, presenting a rich mix of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of familiarity from their native country. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in London’s West End is an energetic enclave filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation opportunities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.