Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a dynamic metropolis, celebrated not just for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students encounter a plethora of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide a range of alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective accommodations online, inspect amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for a residence, I targeted a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is partitioned into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centralized. London features an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enabling smooth navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for these services depend on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. Central London houses major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodation and significantly reduce rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is harder to find in private accommodations.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to critical stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time for errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their native country within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace its diverse housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and energy of this extraordinary city.