Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone in London. Although this may not seem extensive, I have gathered a wealth of experience. London is a bustling metropolis, celebrated not only for its variety of housing alternatives but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a wide range of selections at their fingertips. Both student residences and private accommodations present an array of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and home shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings of apartments, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine prospective accommodations online, review the amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for lodgings, I set out to secure a room in Central London to remain close to main attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two at its core. London features a superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, connecting areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on the distance and the fare structure of each train provider. The high living costs in Central London are influenced by the abundance of major attractions. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to cohabit, drastically reducing our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more difficult through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op exist alongside more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a challenging task. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural essence, featuring a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown situated in the heart of London’s West End is a vibrant district filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal neighborhoods for residing in London are determined by your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new dwelling in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.