Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem lengthy, I’ve acquired a wealth of insights. London pulses with life, not just due to its array of housing possibilities but also because of its dynamic communities. Students have a multitude of choices right at their fingertips. Both university housing and private lodgings present options such as ensuite and suite baths, shared and private spaces, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring their prospective accommodations online, detailing amenities and the closeness to public transport.
In my quest for residence, I was keen on finding a room in Central London to stay near significant attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and transit between zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenditures since traveling between zones can hit up to £5.25 daily. Thus, I opted for walking shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more affordable. Plus, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these carriers differ according to distance and the specific fare outlines of each train service. Central London features significant attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to cohabit a room, which helped us save a considerable amount on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and the same age range, a mix that is harder to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. The prevalent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to basic stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on chores, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. The ethnic communities of London form an integral aspect of its cultural essence, presenting varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students find solace in areas reflective of their home cultures in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, showcases an array of Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend largely on your inclinations and requirements. When exploring housing options in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its available accommodations, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.