Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this is a brief period, I have grasped quite a lot. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing present numerous choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly arrange for apartment showings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, review the amenities, and assess their closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being at the core. London boasts a superb transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I sought to minimize my commuting expenses, as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have rendered university trips more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the Underground system, covering zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. The high living costs in Central London’s prime attractions present a challenge. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate accommodations to connect with students from various cultural backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exams.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, providing a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Most international students in London seek a sense of familiarity reminiscent of their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a prominent South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic musical atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of vibrant community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the variety and depth of its accommodation choices, investigate cultural communities, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.