Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem like an extensive period, I have absorbed a considerable amount. London is an energetic city, notable not just for its varied housing alternatives but also for its dynamic communities. Students are presented with numerous options. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective housing online, including facilities and access to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I sought to cut down on travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily, thus opting to walk shorter distances rather than using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high cost of living in Central London is due to its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to meet peers from various backgrounds of a similar age group, a blend that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are common, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on daily tasks, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a task fraught with difficulty. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a considerable South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, found in South London, is noted for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave with many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The finest areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, be sure to embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.