Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, not only due to its varied housing selections but also because of its dynamic communities. Students have an array of choices available. Both university-affiliated housing and private accommodations provide options such as ensuite and suite restrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, verify facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay near major sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the closest to the center. London boasts an exceptional public transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel and navigation across zones. I sought to minimize transportation costs as inter-zonal travel can reach £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have significantly lowered university commute expenses. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach regions beyond the Underground network, encompassing zones outside the city center. Costs for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London hosts major attractions that lead to increased living expenses. Fortunately, I shared a room with a friend at university, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and the same age group, a combination more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; budget alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on daily tasks, especially during exam seasons.
Deciding on a neighborhood is complicated. The ethnic communities of London are a crucial aspect of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of different neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections with their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian populace, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The preferred areas for residing in London are contingent upon individual preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.