Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its plethora of housing choices but also for its rich communities. Students find a multitude of options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange for apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, evaluate available amenities, and gauge distance to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, I looked for a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central locations. London offers an exceptional transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, since inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the tube network, connecting to zones outside of central London. Travel fares between zones on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high visibility of Central London’s attractions contributes to elevated living costs. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university helped significantly lower our rent. I preferred intercollegiate accommodations to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich assortment of varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comforts of their native countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable 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, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. While seeking a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.