Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not be a lengthy period, I’ve gathered considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, celebrated not only for its variety of housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students are presented with numerous alternatives. Both student accommodations and private housing feature selections like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment visits, and platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing options online, inspect available amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
During my hunt for a living space, I sought to lease a room in Central London to remain near prominent sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric areas, with the first two zones being the most central. London possesses an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 a day. I frequently opted to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs near Central London’s key attractions are notable. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly lowering our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations in hopes of meeting peers from various backgrounds and comparable age groups, a combination more challenging to encounter in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s ethnic communities are a key part of its cultural landscape, providing a rich mosaic of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These examples represent just a fraction of community neighborhoods.
The prime areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate its varied and rich housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.