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 a brief period, I’ve gathered a wealth of insights. London is a bustling metropolis, not solely due to its diverse housing options, but also because of its energetic communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private housing provide a variety of selections, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can swiftly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their potential homes online, review available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain near major sites, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 per day. Consequently, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Rates for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high living expenses near Central London’s key attractions can be daunting. Thankfully, attending university with a roommate enabled us to share a room and make substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate housing to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age range, a blend that’s harder to find in private housing.
Being near supermarkets was vital for me. Well-known supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, along with less expensive alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores, including supermarkets and pharmacies, is a time-saver, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural identity, creating a vibrant mix of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for the comfort of their homeland within London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the West End, offers a vibrant atmosphere with countless Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When scouting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of housing options, discover cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.