Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration may not appear extensive, I’ve acquired several insights throughout this period. London is an energetic metropolis, celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for the communities that inhabit it. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student residences and private lodgings feature selections like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, including amenities and access to public transport.
During my quest for a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London for proximity to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London’s transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operating entity. The living expenses in Central London’s prime spots are steep. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination tougher to find in private properties.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarket chains encompass Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood in London is no easy task. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a vibrant mosaic of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students seek elements of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few illustrations of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The most desirable areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.