Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although it may not seem like a long time, I’ve gained a great deal of experience. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students are presented with numerous choices. Both student residences and private rentals include amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, showcasing facilities and proximity to public transit.
During my search for accommodation, I aspired to find a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb public transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal transit can reach up to £5.25 daily. Consequently, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend their reach beyond the Underground network, accessing zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London features significant attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly reducing our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend less common in private accommodations.
Living close to supermarkets was essential for me. The prevalent supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like grocery shops and pharmacies allows for time-efficient errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is complex. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of connection to their home countries. Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to live in London are determined by your preferences and requirements. When embarking on your search for a new residence in London, relish the diversity and richness of its housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.