Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though this period has been brief, I’ve accumulated several observations along the way. London is an energetic metropolis, not only because of its wide-ranging housing choices but also due to its varied communities. Students have an array of options available. Both student accommodations and private residences offer selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential living spaces online, check available features, and evaluate how close they are to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, entertainment venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two serving as the most central. London has a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to move around and travel between zones. I aimed to keep travel costs low since inter-zonal trips can reach up to £5.25 a day. Instead of taking the bus or tube, I decided to walk shorter distances. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, accessing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high costs of living near Central London’s primary attractions can be quite steep. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored student accommodations that promote intercollegiate living, hoping to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Notable supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while lower-priced options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Staying near vital establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s cultural communities are integral to its cultural identity, offering a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for a sense of connection to their home countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton in South London boasts a thriving Afro-Caribbean community and an energetic music scene. Chinatown at the center of London’s West End is a vibrant enclave filled with many Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.