By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may not appear extensive, I have gained considerable knowledge. London is a dynamic metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing alternatives but also for its lively communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing showcase various choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, verify amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London in order to be near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation system, including the tube, buses, and trains, which simplifies travel and navigation between zones. I attempted to minimize travel expenses, since inter-zonal commuting can be as high as £5.25 daily, leading me to prefer walking shorter distances over taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching zones that lie outside central London. Charges for inter-zone travel on these modes of transport fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, which significantly cut our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds and age groups, a mix that is more challenging to find in private homes.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, showcasing a rich assortment of diverse areas. Many international students search for connections to their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These merely illustrate a few examples of community-centric areas.
The finest locations to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. While looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.