Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I’ve recently celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem like a long period, I’ve gained extensive knowledge throughout my stay. London is a dynamic city, characterized by not only its varied housing options but also its energetic communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their fingertips. Both university accommodation and private residences provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my hunt for a living space, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain nearby major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and passage between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare framework. Central London features notable attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I began university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to encounter in private properties.
Living near grocery outlets was important to me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s multicultural communities are key to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity upon arriving in London. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London largely depend on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation alternatives, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.