Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While nine months may not seem extensive, I have gained considerable insights during this time. London is an energetic metropolis, not only because of its varied housing alternatives but also due to its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices readily available. Both student accommodations and private housing present various options, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Students who are residents can easily schedule viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective residences online, examine amenities, and identify the nearest public transport routes.
In my quest for a place to live, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to maintain proximity to significant landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centrally located. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can incur costs up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have considerably lowered the costs of university travels. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of individual train companies. Central London is home to significant attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which substantially reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often harder to find in private housing.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in which to reside is complex. The ethnic communities of London are vital to its cultural identity, providing a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of familiarity from their home nations. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian populace with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional attire stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples showcase just a few of the community-focused neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London vary according to your interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.