Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not be a long duration, I’ve accumulated some perspectives. London is a dynamic metropolis, known not only for its wide variety of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have numerous choices available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, including facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I focused on finding a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, various oyster card options have made university travel more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent landmarks in Central London lead to elevated living costs. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share accommodations, greatly lowering our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. At the center of London’s West End, Chinatown serves as a bustling hub with countless Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-based neighborhoods.
The most desirable areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for new accommodations in London, take in the diversity and wealth of housing options, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.