Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated the milestone of nine months residing in London. While this duration may seem short, I have gathered several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, not solely due to its varied housing options but also because of its communities. Students have numerous choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals present a range of options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near significant landmarks, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitate smooth navigation and travel between the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can accrue costs of £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes less expensive. Moreover, services like London Overground and National Rail reach beyond the Underground, accessing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train operator’s fare system. The elevated living costs in Central London stem from its numerous major attractions. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less likely found in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Easy access to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students yearn for the comfort of their homeland in London. Southall in West London houses a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.