Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve acquired several insights throughout this experience. London is a vibrant city, not solely for its spectrum of housing options but also for its heterogeneous communities. Students are presented with countless choices. Both student residences and private lodgings offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, including amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my pursuit of a residence, I desired to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone commuting can reach up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London’s significant attractions contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would have been more challenging to achieve through private housing.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on tasks, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural essence, weaving a rich blend of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.