Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of living in London. Although it may appear brief, I have gathered valuable experiences during this duration. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a multitude of housing options and energetic communities. Students have an array of choices available to them. Both university accommodations and private housing offer a variety of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, promotes effortless navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 each day. I decided to walk short distances rather than take buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The significant attractions in Central London elevate living expenses. Fortunately, having a university friend allowed us to share a room, which greatly lowered rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is less attainable through private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London are central to its cultural identity, offering a rich array of distinctive neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is known for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Brixton in South London boasts a vibrant Afro-Caribbean community and a lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When embarking on the journey to find a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing opportunities, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.