Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it’s just a brief period, I’ve gained several insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also its diverse communities. Students enjoy a wealth of choices right at their doorstep. Whether it’s student housing or private residences, one can find ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring their potential accommodations online, detailing amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London for proximity to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central locations. London boasts an outstanding transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zonal travel. My objective was to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can accrue charges of up to £5.25 per day. Consequently, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground reach, reaching zones outside the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare rates of each train operator. With numerous attractions in Central London, living expenses can be steep. Fortunately, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, resulting in substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of similar age, a combination that is often more challenging to find in private housing.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near fundamental stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps streamline errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. The ethnic communities of London are vital to its cultural essence, providing neighborhoods rich in diversity. Many international students pursue a sense of familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, houses a considerable South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a colorful enclave packed with Chinese dining options, stores, and cultural happenings. These serve as examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London revolve around your interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace its vast accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city offers.