Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this may not seem extensive, I’ve gathered valuable experiences during this timeframe. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its varied housing choices but also for its eclectic communities. Students are presented with a wide range of options. Both student residences and private lodgings feature selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international students to explore their prospective accommodations online, including amenities and proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for living arrangements, I targeted a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London offers an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can be as high as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare framework. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodation, significantly lowering renting costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that is more challenging to discover in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with less expensive alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Close proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its difficulties. London’s ethnic communities are an integral element of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for the familiarity of their homeland. Southall, in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. While on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and delight in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.