Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, not only due to its array of housing possibilities but also its lively communities. Students have a multitude of options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private accommodations provide various choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future living arrangements online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed for a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is classified into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and movement between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 each day. Therefore, I preferred walking shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university journeys far more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside of the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance traveled and the fare structure of each train service. The major attractions in Central London contribute to higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, sharing a room, which led to significant rent savings. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Accessibility to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Picking a neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, providing a variety of neighbourhoods. Many international students in London look for comfort in familiarity with their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian dining, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and its dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the vibrant West End of London, is a bustling area with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as just examples of community-oriented neighbourhoods.
The ideal living areas in London are contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the wide range and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.