Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I have absorbed a great deal. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not just for its wide-ranging housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students find an abundance of choices right at their feet. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide a variety of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Residential students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain near main attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services connect areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London features significant attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university with a friend, prompting us to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which is often more challenging to find in private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, providing an array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of home in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music ambiance. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, revel in the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.