Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months in London. Although this may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired various insights throughout this time. London is a vibrant city, not solely for its range of housing alternatives but also for its various communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student housing and private rentals offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces on the internet, highlighting the facilities available and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to secure a room in Central London to maintain proximity to significant landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is arranged into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel could amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than utilize buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the fare structures of each train provider. Significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which led to considerable savings on rent. I endorsed intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. The ethnic communities within London are crucial to its cultural essence, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place to call home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.