Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though it isn’t a long duration, I have acquired some observations. London is an energetic city, not just for its varied housing selections but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options available. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently set up viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing options online, along with their features and closeness to public transport.
In my hunt for a residence, I focused on securing a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to navigate and travel between different zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of opting for public transport. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for 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 travel between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, enrolling in university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly lowering rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend less commonly found in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of their homeland within London. Southall, in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to live in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.