Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I have completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained some valuable insights throughout this time. London is an energetic city, not only because of its varied housing options but also its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide options such as ensuite or suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing solutions online, including the amenities available and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for living arrangements, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social gathering points, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central areas. London boasts an exceptional transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel across the zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zone travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card alternatives have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground framework, covering regions outside of central London. Fare rates for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London features major attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room and substantially reduce our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student residences, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and the same age range, a mix that is more challenging to find in private accommodations.
Living in proximity to supermarkets was vital for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are key to its cultural landscape, offering a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, 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 core of London’s West End, is a vibrant area with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence 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.