Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked the completion of nine months residing in London. Although this duration may not be long, I have amassed some observations. London is a dynamic city, celebrated not just for its variety of housing but also for its lively neighborhoods. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily organize viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential living spaces online, including amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to find a room in Central London to remain close to significant sites, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which make commuting and traveling between zones a breeze. I personally sought to minimize transportation expenses since inter-zonal fares can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, options for an oyster card have made journeys to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these rail services vary based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions of Central London drive up living expenses. Luckily, going to university with a friend permitted us to share a room, considerably lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations as a means to interact with students from a range of backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find within private residences.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having easy access to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time during errands, especially amid exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a fundamental role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of familiar surroundings. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and preferences. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.