Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, I’ve acquired numerous insights. London is a bustling metropolis, rich with varied housing opportunities and dynamic communities. Students can find an array of options right at their fingertips, ranging from student residences to private housing, featuring amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings while international students might utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential living spaces online, assess amenities, and discover available public transport routes.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social scenes, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a comprehensive transport network, inclusive of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily, opting to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground framework, servicing areas that lie outside of central London, with ticket prices fluctuating based on distance and the pricing systems of train companies. The cost of living in Central London is elevated due to its many attractions. Thankfully, I enrolled at the university alongside a friend, and we opted to share accommodation, considerably cutting down our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is often less accessible in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own set of challenges. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, presenting diverse localities. Many international students yearn for a sense of familiarity akin to that of their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and energetic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, boasts a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London hinge on your personal preferences and requirements. As you search for a new residence in London, be sure to embrace its varied housing options, explore cultural pockets, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.