Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While that may seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, known not only for its varied housing options but also for its diverse communities. Students have an abundance of choices available right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, assess amenities, and discover links to public transit.
In my quest for a living space, I aspired to find a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips can tally up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys differ depending on distance and the fare system of each train operator. Central London features significant attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Thankfully, since I was attending university alongside a friend, we shared a room and substantially reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing, anticipating the opportunity to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and of similar age, which would be more challenging through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting diverse localities. Numerous international students seek a taste of home within London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian presence with Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton, found in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary according to your interests and requirements. When hunting for a new abode in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.