Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I have gathered some reflections over this period. London is an energetic city, not only due to its wide range of living arrangements but also because of its varied communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Choices in both student housing and private residences feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio units, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective residences online, review available facilities, and evaluate their closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to be near primary attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is sectioned into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The transportation network of London, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and rail services, simplifies movement and travel between zones. Personally, I aspired to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, options like the oyster card have considerably lowered university travel costs. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering zones located outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing models of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly alleviating rental costs. I was inclined towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, which is often harder to find in private housing.
For me, residing near grocery shops was essential. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to important stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for the comfort of their home cultures. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a selection of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.