Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this timeframe may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, distinguished not only by its range of housing choices but also its various communities. Students enjoy ample options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private lodgings provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, complete with details on amenities and access to public transport.
During my quest for housing, my preference was for a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. I opted for walking shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zonal travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London features major attractions, which can drive living expenses up. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which helped us save significantly on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and of similar ages, which would be more challenging through private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was a priority for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more cost-effective alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be complex. London’s ethnic enclaves are essential to its cultural identity, showcasing a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian dining options, grocery outlets, and traditional attire boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are influenced by your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place in London, appreciate the diversity and depth of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.