Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though it’s a brief duration, I’ve gathered several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its wide range of housing options but also by its rich communal diversity. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private lodgings offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule viewings for apartments, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to scout potential housing online, detailing amenities and the closeness to public transportation.
During my quest for a residence, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near prominent attractions, lively spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. London offers a superb public transportation system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it simple to navigate and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since commuting between zones can cost as much as £5.25 on a daily basis. Instead of relying on buses or the tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have contributed to making commutes to the university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare frameworks of each train operator. Central London is saturated with prominent attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Fortunately, having an academic companion allowed us to share a room and substantially lower our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and akin age groups, a combination that is more challenging to discover in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery shops was a priority for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The convenience of having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies close by saves valuable time, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are a crucial part of its cultural identity, creating a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music environment. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When in the market for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.