Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently marked nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear lengthy, I’ve acquired several perspectives during this period. London is an energetic city, not just for its range of housing options but also for its varied communities. Students find a multitude of choices readily available. Both student residences and private housing provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom let international students preview future accommodations online, showcasing amenities and their location’s accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel across zones. My goal was to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending into zones outside of central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services differ according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs near Central London’s main attractions are a factor. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from different backgrounds and similar age ranges, something that would have been more challenging through private properties.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Well-known supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural composition, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for elements of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These illustrate just a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London rely on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.