Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this isn’t a lengthy duration, I’ve garnered some perspectives throughout this time. London is a bustling metropolis, not merely due to its varied housing choices but also because of its dynamic communities. Students are presented with an abundance of options. Both student accommodations and private housing provide multiple alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, highlighting amenities and distances to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I sought to reduce travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. Thus, I walked shorter distances rather than opting for buses or the tube. However, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university 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 fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, resulting in significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from different backgrounds and the same age range, a combination tougher to locate in private residences.
Proximity to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are essential to its cultural essence, presenting a rich assortment of varied neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for a connection to their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population, complete with Indian dining venues, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, positioned in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Nestled in the center of London’s West End, Chinatown is a vibrant hub filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new housing in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.