Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residence in London. While it may not seem like a long period, I’ve acquired some insights. London is a bustling metropolis with a variety of housing options and lively neighborhoods. Students have numerous alternatives, including student residences and private lodgings with features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore properties online, assess amenities, and locate public transport connections.
During my search for accommodation, I desired a room in Central London to remain close to main attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. Thus, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services cover areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for travel between zones fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train service. Central London houses major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, yielding significant rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural identity, providing diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a connection to their home country while in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown in the West End presents Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural experiences. These examples highlight just a fraction of the community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. While searching for a new home, take advantage of London’s varied accommodation choices, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.