Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I have hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be an extended period, I’ve gained various insights throughout this time. London is a dynamic city, renowned not only for its varied housing opportunities but also for its lively communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing present different choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing options online, including the amenities provided and distance to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and move between zones. To minimize travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on the distance and each train company’s fare structure. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that would have been more challenging to discover in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam crunch times.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting choice. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a connection to their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian populace, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.