Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone living in London. Although it’s a brief period, I’ve gathered some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have a wide array of choices available. Both shared student housing and private residences offer facilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students have the advantage of easily arranging apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective accommodations online, including amenities and public transit connections.
During my hunt for a residence, I targeted a room in Central London to stay near major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. Eager to keep travel expenses down, as transferring between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending to zones beyond the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on the distance and fare structure of each train company. The central area of London features major attractions, contributing to higher living costs. Thankfully, I enrolled at university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which substantially lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a mix that is harder to come by in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Familiar supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent; more affordable alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streams lines errands efficiently, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural identity, presenting varied residential options. Many international students desire a taste of home in London. Southall, located in West London, has a sizable South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These highlight just a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new abode in London, take advantage of the diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.