Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it may seem brief, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing choices but also for its vibrant communities. Students find a plethora of options right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private housing provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective homes online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for a living space, I desired a room in Central London to stay near prominent attractions, bustling social areas, and the Imperial campus. The city comprises six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel across the zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, expanding into zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the fare regulations of each train operator. The central part of London houses numerous attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly cutting down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend more difficult to discover in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more budget-friendly choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand running, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. The ethnic communities of London are pivotal to its cultural landscape, offering a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community with Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional garments shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. At the core of London’s West End, Chinatown serves as a lively community filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The best locations to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. As you look for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.