Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear lengthy, I have gathered some valuable perspectives throughout this period. London is a bustling city, not only for its variety of housing options but also for its lively communities. Students are presented with numerous choices right at their doorstep. Both student housing and private residences provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house sharings. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport infrastructure, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation and movement across zones. I intended to minimize travel expenditures as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 per day. I chose to stroll short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Tube network, spanning zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The living expenses in central London are elevated due to its prominent attractions. Luckily, attending university with a companion enabled us to share a room, resulting in considerable savings on rent. I specifically preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more challenging to discover in private properties.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant mix of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students in London search for the comfort of their native country. Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighbourhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are influenced by your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation offerings, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.