Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve hit the nine-month mark of residing in London. While this might seem brief, I’ve gained a considerable amount of insight. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its wide-ranging housing selections but also for its various communities. Students have numerous options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing provide diverse choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio units, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in checking out their upcoming accommodations online, assessing the facilities, and identifying the nearest public transport connections.
In my quest for a place, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is arranged in six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel between zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can be as much as £5.25 daily. Consequently, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, spanning zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train service. Central London boasts significant attractions, leading to increased living expenses. Thankfully, I had a friend attending university with me, and we opted to share a room, which considerably cut down on our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a feat that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Notable supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is quite a task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, offering a range of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home culture in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian dining establishments, 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, features a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.