Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this duration might seem brief, I’ve gathered several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just regarding its varied living arrangements but also for its communities. Students have numerous options available to them. Both student residences and private housing present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, including features and nearness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. London boasts a superb transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones seamless. I sought to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have reduced university commute costs. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with low-cost alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural tapestry, providing diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and rich music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-driven neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London vary based on your preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new dwelling in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.