Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it’s not a lengthy time, I’ve gained some perspectives. London is an energetic city, showcasing not only its wide range of housing options but also its multifaceted communities. Students have a myriad of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and personal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, including facilities and access to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric areas, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an efficient transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to move about and travel between zones. Personally, I focused on minimizing travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card alternatives have lowered university commute expenses. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching locations outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on the distance and each train company’s fare policy. The major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, greatly decreasing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a tough decision. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for familiarity with their home cultures. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown in the vibrant West End of London is a bustling area with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to live in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing possibilities, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.