Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this timeframe isn’t extensive, I have gathered some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not merely for its various housing opportunities but also for its communities. Students have a plethora of choices right at hand. Both student accommodation and private housing provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential residences online, featuring amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for a place to live, I intended to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a remarkable transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between zones. I personally aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel could reach up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel via these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London features prominent attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, resulting in substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is less prevalent in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as grocery shops and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End stands as a bustling enclave filled with Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London rely on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and variety in its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.