Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, I’ve gained several insights. London is a vibrant city, not solely for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students find numerous alternatives right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private housing present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio units, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to assess potential lodgings online, showcasing amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I desired a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel among zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel could amount to £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on buses or tubes, I opted to walk shorter distances. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in higher living costs. Fortunately, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with cost-effective options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to key outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on tasks, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of connection to their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community with Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. 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, showcases a variety of Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of communal neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for accommodation in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. To discover your next home in London, embrace its diverse housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.