Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this timeframe might seem brief, it has afforded me the opportunity to gather some insights. London is an energetic metropolis, offering not only a range of housing types but also thriving communities. Students have numerous options at their fingertips. Both university residences and private housing offer a variety of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective rentals online, evaluate available features, and determine closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain near prominent sights, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most pivotal. London offers a superior transport system, comprised of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making inter-zonal travel seamless. My goal was to lower my transport expenses since traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. Hence, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, various oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones away from central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing framework of each train operator. With many major attractions in Central London, living expenses are notably high. Luckily, I began university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, yielding substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix less frequently encountered in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op coexist with more economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores including supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its challenges. London’s multicultural communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London’s embrace seek connections to their home cultures. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown located in the center of London’s West End is a bustling hub with many Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The prime districts for residing in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.