Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone in London. While nine months may seem brief, I have gained a wealth of insight. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its vibrant communities. Students find a plethora of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residence and private housing provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom aid international students in scouting their prospective homes online, reviewing features, and accessing public transport links.
During my hunt for accommodation, I desired a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transportation infrastructure is commendable, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing easy movement throughout the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can reach up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services encompass areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to numerous major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds sharing the same age, a blend that is harder to find in privately owned properties.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies alleviates time spent on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural tapestry, providing a diversity of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These serve as just a handful of illustration of community neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London vary based on your preferences and necessities. To secure a new home in London, embrace the multitude and richness of its accommodation opportunities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.