Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive period, I’ve picked up some insights. London is lively, featuring a rich variety of living options as well as its communities. Students have a multitude of choices readily available. Both student housing and private lodgings offer options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring future accommodations online, checking amenities, and discovering nearby public transport connections.
In my search for housing, I targeted a room in Central London to remain close to main attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across zones. To minimize travel costs, as inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing model of each train operator. Central London is home to prominent attractions, which contributes to higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, allowing us to share a room and substantially reduce our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, an alignment that would have been tougher through privately rented properties.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op exist alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, contributing to various neighborhoods. Many international students seek a connection to their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown in the West End of London offers a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. To locate a new place 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.