Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this period isn’t extensive, I have gained a wealth of experience. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively neighborhoods. Students have an array of selections available. Both student residences and private accommodations offer a variety of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, assess the facilities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for a living space, I targeted a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize commuting expenses since traveling between zones can incur daily costs up to £5.25. I opted to walk short distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made travel to the university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London hosts major attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds within the same age bracket, something more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is not easy. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant mix of neighborhoods. Most international students in London seek some connection to their home nation. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown located in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal regions to inhabit in London rely on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new abode in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, delve into the cultural districts, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.