Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though not a lengthy time, I’ve managed to acquire several observations. London is an energetic city, noteworthy not only for its varied housing options but also for its eclectic communities. Students are presented with an array of choices. Both campus-associated housing and private rentals provide amenities like ensuite and suite restrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange for apartment viewings, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore possible accommodations online, review facilities, and judge closeness to public transport.
In my endeavor to find a living space, I intended to lease a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central locations. London’s transit framework, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes traveling and navigating between zones seamless. I sought to minimize travel expenses, considering inter-zonal trips could cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system into areas outside of central London. Pricing for inter-zone travel on these services varies according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London add to high living expenses. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, leading to a notable decrease in rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops, including grocery stores and pharmacies, conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s cultural diversity is woven into its ethnic communities, offering a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for the comfort of home, and in West London, Southall boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent on your personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and bask in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.