Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine months of residing in London. While nine months might not appear extensive, I have acquired a significant amount of knowledge during this period. London is an energetic city, not just for its varied housing alternatives but also for its dynamic communities. Students are presented with numerous choices. Both accommodation options for students and private housing come with a variety of features, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to browse their future homes online, assess the amenities, and determine their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key sites, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city has a remarkable transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I aspired to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, accessing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operating company. While Central London boasts significant attractions, it also entails high living costs. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share accommodation, leading to considerable savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate housing to interact with students from a variety of backgrounds and the same age group, a mix that is harder to find in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents a tough choice. The ethnic communities within London are essential to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for the comfort of their home countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, retail outlets, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. When looking for a new dwelling in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its accommodation options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.