Contributed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve hit the milestone of nine months living in London. Although it isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve gathered a wealth of experiences. London pulsates with life, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its vibrant communities. Students enjoy a multitude of choices right at their doorstep. Options for both student housing and private rentals include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their potential accommodations online, assess amenities, and discover nearby public transportation links.
While searching for a residence, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips could cost as much as £5.25 each day. Therefore, I opted to walk short distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on the distance traveled and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London hosts major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of similar age, something that would be more challenging in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland available as alternatives. Living close to basic necessities like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood presents its own set of challenges. London’s ethnic communities are key to its cultural essence, presenting diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity resembling their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a large South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music aura. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, stands as a vibrant enclave filled with Chinese dining, retail shops, and cultural festivities. These exemplify some community-centric neighbourhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London largely depend on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of its accommodation possibilities, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city offers.