Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I’ve acquired various insights throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its diverse housing options but also because of its eclectic communities. Students are presented with countless choices. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transportation.
In my search for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy movement and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as crossing zones can incur costs up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to the university more economical. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare schema of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London’s prime areas are notable. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, wanting to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less achievable in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to crucial shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents a challenging task. The ethnic communities in London are integral to its cultural fabric, contributing a wide array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London crave the comfort of their native culture. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population offering Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, brims with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for new accommodations in London, relish the variety and richness of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this exceptional city.