Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although it might not appear long, I have gathered several insights in this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, providing a plethora of housing options and a mix of cultures. Students have a wealth of selections available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared versus private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, including facilities and proximity to public transit.
In my quest for accommodation, I desired a room in Central London to remain close to key 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 transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating ease of movement and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can total up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more cost-effective. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high costs of living in central London are influenced by its major attractions. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, enabling us to share a room and significantly reduce rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging to achieve through private housing.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are a crucial aspect of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a touch of home in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.