Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone in London. Although it hasn’t been an extensive period, I have gained a wealth of knowledge. London is dynamic, not only for its variety of housing alternatives but also for its vibrant communities. Students have a multitude of choices right outside their doors. Both student residences and private housing offer facilities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, individual and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment inspections, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore future housing options online, verify amenities, and locate the closest public transport links.
During my quest for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to remain in proximity to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the core. London boasts an outstanding transport system, inclusive of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel and navigation between the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones could reach up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have reduced university travel expenses. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London features prominent attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, resulting in significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group—a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, showcasing an array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a taste of their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural festivities. These are just a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.