Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge. London is an energetic city, not only due to its varied housing choices but also because of its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options available. Both student lodging and private housing present numerous choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house rentals. Local students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, whereas international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom for viewing potential homes online, exploring amenities, and evaluating closeness to public transportation.
In my pursuit of a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to be near major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s superb transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies traversing the city and commuting between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could amount to as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commutes to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, covering regions outside central London. The fares for these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London’s prime attractions are notable. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, markedly lowering our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse cultures and similar age ranges, which would have been more challenging through private residences.
For me, living near grocery stores was imperative. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of diverse locales. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave boasting numerous Chinese diners, stores, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.