Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive period, I’ve acquired several observations. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied housing opportunities but also for its vibrant communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student accommodation and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential homes online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my pursuit of a living space, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to move around and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to lessen travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can set you back up to £5.25 daily. I opted to stroll short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Costs for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London boasts prominent attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, resulting in considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging with private rentals.
Being near supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies minimizes time spent on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, presenting a range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comforts of their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown in the West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods in London depend on one’s interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and wealth of housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.