Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though it’s not an extensive period, I’ve gained a substantial amount of insight. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its varied housing choices but also for its communities. Students have a multitude of options readily available. Both student residences and private housing present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future lodgings online, inspect amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to lease a room in Central London to remain close to popular attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport infrastructure, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation of the city. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can be as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to stroll short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have made university travels less expensive. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, expanding to zones outside of Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the specific fare structure of each train company. Central London houses significant attractions, contributing to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings, hoping to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more budget-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities are a vital component of its cultural scene, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek elements of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music landscape. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, constitutes a bustling area filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples highlight just a few of the community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on your personal preferences and necessities. When exploring for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness in accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.