Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months isn’t an extensive period, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, not solely for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solitary rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, complete with amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a place to reside, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key sites, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I opted to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university travels more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Charges for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train company. Central London features prominent attractions, which contributes to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to cohabitate, leading to substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a feat that would have been more challenging with private properties.
Having access to grocery stores was significant for me. Common supermarkets encompass Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are key to its cultural essence, providing varied neighborhoods. Most international students seek a semblance of their homeland in this metropolis. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian populace featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These exemplify some of the community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to live in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.