Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this period may seem brief, I have accumulated some observations. London is a bustling metropolis, celebrated not only for its vast selection of housing but also for its varied communities. Students have numerous options available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom aid international students in exploring potential homes online, along with their features and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s public transportation network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes traversing and traveling between zones hassle-free. Personally, I wanted to mitigate travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily. Hence, I chose to walk short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London boasts major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to share accommodation, remarkably lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, an achievement that would have been more challenging with private rentals.
Living close to supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, showcasing a vibrant array of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students look for familiar aspects of their home countries within this city. Southall, in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is an animated quarter filled with various Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The optimal regions for residing in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. During the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.