Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it’s not an extended period, I have gleaned some insights. London is an energetic metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students can find a multitude of choices at their doorstep. Both student residences and private rentals provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, communal and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and locate public transport links.
During my search for housing, I desired a room in Central London so I would be near major attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have cut down university travel expenses. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to outer zones. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policy of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to higher living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, resulting in significant rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which is more difficult to achieve through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies enhances efficiency when handling errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic groups are essential to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity with their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, showcases an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.