Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may appear brief, I’ve gained a lot of insights during this period. London is a dynamic city, not only because of its extensive range of housing options but also due to its varied communities. Students have a plethora of opportunities available to them. Both student residences and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential rentals online, review facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city features a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across zones. I aimed to minimize transportation costs as inter-zonal travel can reach £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground system, reaching zones outside central London. Charges for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London presents major attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was enrolled at the university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly decreasing our rent costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often more challenging to find in private housing.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital retail outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural essence, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the familiarity of their home country in this city. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The finest places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and thrill of this extraordinary city.