Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months in London. Although it may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge during this time. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a broad array of housing choices and lively communities. Students are presented with a multitude of options. Both student residences and private accommodations come with choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students have the convenience of scheduling apartment viewings in person, while international students can utilize resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential housing options online, evaluate amenities, and determine their proximity to public transport.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to find a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two zones being the most accessible. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies getting around the city. To mitigate travel costs, as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing model of each train company. The cost of living in Central London is elevated due to its numerous attractions. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix less common in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities within London play a crucial role in its cultural richness, contributing to a diverse landscape of neighborhoods. Numerous international students find comfort in the familiar during their stay in London. Southall, located in West London, features a prominent South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Brixton, situated in South London, boasts a well-known Afro-Caribbean community along with a dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant locale filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new place in London, appreciate the variety and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.