Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. While this may not seem like an extensive period, I have garnered a few observations. London is an energetic metropolis, known not only for its variety of housing choices but also for its vibrant communities. Students enjoy a plethora of options. Both university accommodations and private housing offer choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while sites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay close to notable attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to traverse and travel among zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. However, options with an oyster card have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground framework, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. Central London hosts significant attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is often more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London are essential to its cultural essence, offering a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students living in London desire a connection to their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and its lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with many Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.