Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I achieved nine months of residing in London. Although it may not seem like a long duration, I have accumulated various experiences. London is a vibrant city, characterized not just by its wide-ranging housing options but also its communities. Students have an abundance of choices at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing provide alternatives like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible accommodations online, including facilities and proximity to public transport.
During my hunt for living arrangements, I targeted a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses minimal, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made traveling to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London are attributable to its major attractions. Luckily, studying at university with a friend enabled us to share a room, leading to a considerable decrease in rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often more challenging to find in private properties.
Living in close proximity to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is quite a task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new place to call home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.