Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months residing in London. Though this timeframe isn’t extensive, I’ve acquired various insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its numerous housing alternatives but also for its multifaceted communities. Students have a wealth of options available. Student accommodations and private rentals feature amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, detailing amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I targeted a room in Central London to remain close to primary attractions, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport framework, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies travel and movement between zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can accumulate to £5.25 daily for zonal travel, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, penetrating zones outside the central area. Prices for these services change according to distance and each train company’s pricing model. The prominent attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we halved our rent by sharing a room. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets, an experience that’s often harder to come by in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital to me. Common supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op exist, alongside more affordable choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are key to its cultural richness, creating a vibrant mix of neighborhoods. Numerous international students yearn for connections to their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music culture. Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is rich with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as mere examples of diverse community neighborhoods.
The prime areas for living in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, take in the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.