Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this period isn’t extensive, I’ve grasped several insights. London is dynamic, not only in its variety of housing choices but also within its communities. Students have numerous options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private lodgings present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and flatshares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview potential accommodations online, including amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I targeted a room in Central London to remain close to major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigating and commuting between zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London features major attractions, resulting in high living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, leading to significant rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private housing.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on chores, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural tapestry, providing a range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home nation while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is an animated area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are only a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. To secure a new home in London, cherish the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this outstanding city.