Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve absorbed a wealth of knowledge. London is a dynamic city, characterized by a wide range of housing options and its vibrant communities. Students have plentiful choices available. Both student residences and private lodging offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential living spaces online, examine amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for a living space, I sought a room in Central London to stay close to primary attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most pivotal. London boasts a superb public transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal commutes can reach £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube service. However, oyster card options have made traveling to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network into areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare regulations of individual train companies. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended the university with a friend, allowing us to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate accommodations to engage with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less common in private housing.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students pursue a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the West End is an energetic area boasting Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London rely on your preferences and requirements. When embarking on your search for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.