Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated reaching the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have acquired considerable knowledge. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied housing selections but also for its lively communities. Students have an abundance of options readily available. Both student accommodations and private housing present numerous choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can readily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, scrutinize amenities, and assess their distance from public transport.
In my quest for a place to call home, I aimed for a room rental in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I intended to cut down on my travel expenses since moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas beyond the Underground network, reaching out to zones that lie outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel via these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare structure unique to each train operator. Central London provides major attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I began my university journey alongside a friend, and we decided to split a room, leading to significant rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix not often found in private residences.
Being situated near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood for living presents a challenge. The ethnic communities of London are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of their home culture within London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.