Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is a dynamic city, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its communities. Students have a plethora of choices readily available. Both student residences and private lodgings provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transport links.
In my pursuit of accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to stay close to significant landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transportation network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and transit across zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I prefer walking shorter distances instead of opting for a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network into zones outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare structure of each train provider. Central London hosts major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, significantly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from different backgrounds and similar age groups, which is more difficult with private rentals.
Proximity to grocery outlets was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, providing various neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity from their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London are contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of its housing choices, discover cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.