Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. Although this period isn’t extensive, I have acquired some observations. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its varied housing alternatives but also for its communities. Students have an abundance of options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide an array of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their potential homes online, assess the amenities, and check how close they are to public transport.
Throughout my hunt for a place to stay, I intended to lease a room in Central London to be close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services service areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London presents major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I gravitated towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and a similar age group, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a tough decision. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London search for a sense of familiarity with their home country. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When scouting for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.