Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gained a wealth of experience. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its vibrant communities. Students are presented with numerous choices right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private housing provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, review amenities, and access public transport links.
In my quest for a residence, I sought a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network is superb, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies getting around and traversing between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal commuting can cost up to £5.25 per day. I opted for walking shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, expanding into zones outside central London. Inter-zone fares differ based on the distance traveled and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London boasts significant attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, sharing a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix less common in private properties.
Living close to grocery stores was vital to me. Prominent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students find comfort in the similarities to their home country. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, offering Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the West End features Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.