Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve gathered some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not solely for its varied housing choices but also for its communities. Students have numerous options available right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared accommodations, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, review amenities, and access links to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I was keen on finding a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is stratified into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a remarkable transport network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to maneuver and commute between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have significantly lowered commuting costs for university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and the fare structures of each train provider. Central London is home to numerous prominent attractions, thus elevating living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is rarer in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, providing varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home culture in London. Southall, situated in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London depend on individual preferences and necessities. To discover a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and profusion of accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.