Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, I have acquired a substantial amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its varied housing solutions but also for its communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing present choices 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 prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
While looking for a residence, I desired a room in Central London to ensure proximity to key attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb public transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying movement and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone journeys can total £5.25 per day. I preferred walking shorter distances rather than opting for a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services encompass areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to major attractions, consequently driving up living expenses. Thankfully, I studied at university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
It was essential for me to live near grocery stores. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to fundamental stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a connection to their home country while in London. Southall in West London houses a significant South Asian community featuring Indian dining options, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a dynamic enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas for living in London depend on your interests and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.