Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone in London. Though this isn’t a lengthy period, I have gained substantial insights. London is dynamic, not only in its varied housing options but also in its communities. Students find a multitude of choices right at their fingertips. Both university accommodation and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective accommodations online, examine amenities, and locate public transport links.
In my quest for a residence, I sought a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. I opted for walking short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London hosts major attractions, contributing to a high cost of living. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age group, a mixture that is often more challenging to locate in private rentals.
Being in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Convenience to essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural landscape, providing diverse localities. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity from home while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this incredible city.