Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy duration, I have garnered some perspectives throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its assorted housing choices but also because of its varied communities. Students find themselves with numerous options. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore their future housing options online, examine amenities, and judge distance to public transport.
In my hunt for a residence, my goal was to lease a room in Central London to stay near popular landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university easier on the wallet. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, servicing areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these modes vary depending on distance and the fare structure of each train company. The expense of living in Central London is high due to its major attractions. Thankfully, attending university with a companion enabled us to share a room, significantly reducing our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is trickier to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of connection to their native countries. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, set in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on personal preferences and necessities. When on the quest for new accommodation in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.