Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it may appear brief, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge during this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively neighborhoods. Students find themselves with multiple alternatives. Both student residences and private accommodations provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, detailing amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near prominent sites, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transit system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and railways, facilitates movement across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 per day. Instead of opting for the bus or tube, I preferred walking shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travels more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching regions outside central London. Inter-zone travel costs on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living expenses in Central London are influenced by its prominent attractions. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we resolved to share a room, which led to significant savings on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Well-known supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s multicultural communities form an integral part of its cultural landscape, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a sense of familiarity from their home nations in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community filled with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, in London’s West End, thrives as a lively enclave filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent only a handful of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When embarking on a search for a new abode in London, embrace the variety and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.