Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might not seem lengthy, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives during this period. London is an energetic city, presenting a vast selection of housing options and lively communities. Students have a wealth of choices available. Both student accommodation and private housing offer various options, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing online, along with details on amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is divided into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most centralized. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones effortless. Personally, I sought to reduce travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commutes to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to the distance and fare structure of each train provider. The city’s main attractions contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to split the cost of a room, significantly lessening our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and age groups, a blend that’s harder to come across in private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students search for a sense of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, has a substantial South Asian community featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The best areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and necessities. When exploring housing options in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this incredible city.