Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I have gained a considerable amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, offering not only a wide array of housing options but also a multitude of diverse communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide various alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse their future housing online, assess the amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can incur daily costs of up to £5.25. To cut down costs, I opted for walking short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the specific fare structure of each train operator. Central London is home to key attractions, leading to higher living expenses. Fortunately, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being situated near grocery stores was a priority for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside lower-cost options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time during errands, particularly around exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London form an integral part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London search for a touch of familiarity from their home countries. Southall, located in West London, is known for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. At the core of London’s West End lies Chinatown, a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples illustrate just a few of the community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to inhabit in London are contingent upon individual interests and necessities. When seeking a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of available accommodations, explore the cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and exhilaration that this extraordinary city offers.