Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I’ve gained significant insights. London is dynamic, showcasing not only a variety of housing options but also its vibrant communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and communal living arrangements. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, review amenities, and consider their distance from public transport.
In my hunt for a home, I sought a room in Central London in order to be close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core area. London boasts an outstanding public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between different zones. I intended to lower my travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 each day. Instead of utilizing buses or the tube, I opted to walk short distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve regions beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high demand for Central London’s primary attractions contributes to elevated living costs. Fortunately, going to university with a friend permitted us to share a room and considerably reduce our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to key shops like grocery stores and pharmacies helps save time on daily tasks, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s multicultural communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, offering a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for connections to their home countries. Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the bustling West End of London is a vibrant hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-rich areas.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on your personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home, appreciate the diversity and variety of London’s housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.