Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I’ve acquired a fair amount of knowledge even if it’s not a long duration. The city pulses with energy, providing numerous housing alternatives and dynamic communities. Students find themselves with an abundance of options. Student residences and private lodgings offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or personal rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, highlighting features and distance to public transit.
In my quest for housing, I focused on securing a room in Central London for easy access to key sites, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric rings, with the first two zones being the core. London’s transport system, which encompasses the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation between zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as costs for crossing zones can escalate to £5.25 daily. Instead of using buses or the tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have significantly lowered commuting expenses for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground scope, reaching areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travels fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of individual train companies. The high living expenses around Central London’s attractions are notable. Fortunately, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, leading to considerable rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a feat that would have been more challenging with private rentals.
Being close to supermarkets was essential for me. Popular grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver for errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities within London play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, resulting in a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity from their native countries in London. Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. The Chinatown nestled in London’s West End serves as a bustling hub filled with Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods are just a few representations of community areas.
The best places to reside in London vary according to individual preferences and requirements. While seeking a new residence in London, appreciate the diverse and rich accommodation options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city has to offer.