Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may appear brief, I have acquired some understanding during this period. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied housing choices but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a wealth of options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide numerous alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to explore their prospective accommodations online, featuring the amenities and closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to find a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London offers an exceptional transportation system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensuring straightforward navigation and travel between zones. I sought to reduce travel expenses, as the costs of traveling between zones can go as high as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university less expensive. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside of the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. The high living costs around Central London’s key attractions are noticeable. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, as I hoped to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of familiarity from their home nations within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area packed with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most favorable areas to inhabit in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural hubs, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.