Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this isn’t a vast stretch of time, I’ve garnered some valuable perspectives. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not just for its plethora of housing options but also for its varied communities. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student accommodations and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared rooms, private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local scholars can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring potential residences online, complete with amenities and public transport access.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes city navigation straightforward and travel among zones effortless. To cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can soar up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground framework to outer zones. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London’s attractions contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a companion, and we shared a room, greatly diminishing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is less common in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time during errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a tough decision. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural fabric, presenting a range of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity from their native countries in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in London’s West End bustles with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The finest areas to reside in London greatly depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diverse housing alternatives, discover cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.