Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it’s a brief time, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge. London is a dynamic metropolis, celebrated not only for its variety of housing choices but also for its vibrant communities. Students have abundant options readily available. Both student accommodations and private housing include features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential lodgings online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transit links.
During my search for accommodation, I prioritized finding a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central regions. London’s transport infrastructure, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement across the zones. I aimed to lessen travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 a day. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. In addition, the London Overground and National Rail services serve regions beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these routes vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs associated with Central London’s attractions are notable. Thankfully, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, considerably cutting down on rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age group, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops like grocery stores and pharmacies greatly aids in completing errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Most international students in London look for connections to their homeland. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in London’s West End, boasts a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These exemplify just a fraction of the community neighborhoods available.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. While seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.