Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month mark of my stay in London. While it may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices readily available. Both student accommodations and private housing present different selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London boasts an outstanding transportation system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between areas. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel fees can reach up to £5.25 per day, so I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commutes to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s unique fare structure. While Central London is home to significant attractions, it also results in elevated living costs. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, enabling us to share a room and achieve considerable rental savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds within the same age range, a mix that would have been more challenging to find through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more cost-effective options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time when running errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite challenging. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural diversity, presenting a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their home country within this city. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian population, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, stands as a vibrant hub with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residing in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place to call home in London, embrace the variety and wealth of its housing choices, discover the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.