Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem lengthy, I have absorbed a great deal. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable for its variety of housing options and its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices readily accessible. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring prospective accommodations online, examining amenities, and locating public transport links.
In my quest for a new residence, I aimed for a room in Central London to enjoy proximity to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenditures since inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made university travels more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas outside the Underground network, covering zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on the distance and the fare structure of each rail company. Central London features major attractions, translating to elevated living costs. Thankfully, a friend and I attended university together, and we opted to share a room, resulting in substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more challenging to find in private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, creating a rich blend of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of home within London. Southall, located in West London, features a prominent South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, presents a dynamic enclave filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, immerse yourself in cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.