Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this period isn’t extensive, I have gathered several observations throughout this time. London is an energetic metropolis, providing a vast array of housing options and various communities. Students find themselves with numerous alternatives at their disposal. Both student accommodations and private housing offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore possible accommodations online, including their amenities and closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for a place to stay, I focused on renting a room in Central London for easy access to key attractions, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensures convenient movement and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can go up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card choices have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the tube network, reaching zones outside the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of the respective train operating companies. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would have been trickier through private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to inhabit can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are a crucial aspect of its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their home country’s culture in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of the West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.